#california

Meta is recalling some employees to management positions within its Applied AI division. This move represents a partial reversal of the company's recent strategy to reduce middle management. The program is voluntary for affected employees. This initiative comes after Meta previously downsized its workforce and management ranks. The company has not commented on this development.

Menlo Park, California

https://www.businessinsider.com/meta-asks-some-ai-employees-to-become-managers-again-2026-9

Ruiz Foods has announced another round of layoffs affecting 176 employees at its Dinuba, California facility. This marks the second such reduction in California since the company relocated its headquarters to Texas two years ago. The company cited a need to align production capacity with anticipated customer demand as the reason for the decision. Despite these layoffs, the Dinuba plant will remain operational and is considered a critical part of Ruiz Foods' manufacturing network. This follows a previous layoff of 215 employees at a Tulare facility.

Dinuba, California

https://www.sfgate.com/food/article/ruiz-foods-dinuba-layoffs-22426436.php

The Fresno Bee has experienced significant staff reductions, with up to 40% of its workforce being laid off. These cuts are part of a broader trend affecting multiple newspapers owned by the McClatchy Media Company. Union representatives have expressed concerns that these layoffs are linked to the company's increasing use of AI for news generation. The reduction in staff leaves the paper with a considerably smaller team to cover a large and populous region. This move follows similar workforce reductions at other McClatchy publications across the country.

Fresno, California

https://fresnoland.org/2026/09/10/fresno-bee-layoffs-ai-chatbots/

Media company McClatchy has implemented significant layoffs across its newsrooms. Over ninety journalists have been impacted by these cuts. Several California newsrooms experienced substantial staff reductions. The affected roles include reporters, photographers, and videographers. These layoffs are anticipated to impact coverage of key local issues.

California

https://nypost.com/2026/09/10/media/california-newsrooms-decimated-in-the-bloodiest-round-of-layoffs-as-media-giants-culls-40-of-staff/

The Trade Desk has implemented a significant workforce reduction, impacting approximately 15% of its global employees. This restructuring, affecting over 500 individuals, is described by leadership as a resource reallocation. The company recently reported disappointing quarterly earnings and missed Wall Street expectations. Despite these challenges, The Trade Desk maintains a strong financial position with substantial cash reserves and no debt. Leadership emphasizes a continued focus on growth and strategic initiatives.

Ventura, California

https://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/417692/trade-desk-layoffs-follow-disappointing-financial.html

Signorello Estate winery in Napa has filed for bankruptcy protection. The family-owned business is burdened by $36 million in debt. They are now looking to sell the winery. This move comes as the winery faces significant financial challenges. The future of the estate remains uncertain.

Napa, California

https://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/news/2026/09/02/sfbt-digest-wednesday-walnut-creek-google-breakup.html

Got rumors floating around of another VSPP coming, this one a bit more lucrative and clearly geared towards the older pensioners. It might be worth sailing off into the sunset.

For the younger folks, here's a little perspective from a 40+ year guy...

I was told since 2015 that copper is going away and fiber is the future; some people even joked I would be out of a job soon. Largely, they were correct. However, here I am recovering pairs and restoring service up until my service date end next year. If anyone lives in or around California, Oregon or Washington, they have agreements with the state to continue servicing copper for about 7 more years OR at least provide some sort of support as part of the deal with Forged Fiber. If you live in those areas you still have some time left to get your overtime, stack your bank account and start looking for work elsewhere.

I urge you to STRONGLY consider getting into some trade work while you have the money to pay for it. Don't let these years pass by and pull the rug out from under you. I'm told by my buddies in the PNW that they are actively backfilling I&R, cable and CDT spots. Jump on it, make your money and split.

Best of luck. I'll be watching the forest fire on a boat with a beer!

Stockton Truss LLC has announced significant job reductions. The company filed a WARN notice detailing the layoffs. Sixty-five employees will be permanently terminated by mid-October. This action impacts workers at their Stockton facility. The company manufactures trusses for various construction projects.

Stockton, California

https://www.recordnet.com/story/business/employment/2026/09/03/stockton-truss-llc-layoffs-65-employees-losing-jobs-by-mid-october/91514130007/

A home care provider is laying off 738 employees due to a health insurer's decision to discontinue certain services. These layoffs are scheduled to occur on September 15th. The insurer, Health Net, is ending its Personal Care and Homemaker Services program. This program is an optional community support under Medi-Cal managed care plans. The company expressed disappointment and is working with stakeholders to manage the transition.

El Segundo, California

https://homehealthcarenews.com/2026/09/24-hour-home-care-to-lay-off-over-700-employees/

USA Today is undergoing a companywide reorganization due to declining search engine traffic. This restructuring has led to editorial employee layoffs. The company cited evolving consumer discovery methods and the impact of AI summaries on search results. These changes are forcing news organizations to adapt their strategies for reaching audiences. The exact number of affected employees was not disclosed.

Stockton, California

https://stocktonia.org/news/business/2026/09/04/usa-today-owner-of-stockton-record-cuts-staff-and-reorganizes-editorial-operations/

PayPal is implementing another wave of layoffs, impacting 251 employees at its San Jose headquarters. This latest reduction targets senior staff, managers, and engineers as part of a broader cost-saving initiative. The affected workers are scheduled to be terminated on October 30, 2026. These cuts are a component of PayPal's plan to reduce its global workforce by approximately 20%. The company aims to enhance efficiency and reallocate resources to areas like artificial intelligence.

San Jose, California

https://americanbazaaronline.com/2026/09/05/paypal-layoffs-expand-employees-in-san-jose-set-to-lose-jobs-487640/

New American Funding has laid off 160 employees in its consumer direct division. This reduction is a direct response to current mortgage market conditions. Elevated interest rates have significantly suppressed refinance volume. The company stated the decision was made thoughtfully and responsibly to align operations with market realities. They expressed gratitude for the contributions of affected team members.

Santa Ana, California

https://www.housingwire.com/articles/new-american-funding-layoffs-160-consumer-direct/

State officials have agreed to negotiate with San Mateo County leaders regarding Vehicle Licensing Fee distribution. This agreement could prevent over 1,000 layoffs impacting public services. Assembly Bill 184 outlines plans for a new formula to backfill VLF fund revenues for affected counties. County officials project significant shortfalls without a reworked backfill formula. Negotiations are expected to begin after Labor Day.

https://www.almanacnews.com/san-mateo-county/2026/09/03/state-leaders-san-mateo-county-agree-to-negotiate-funding-fix-ahead-of-1000-layoffs/

J.J. Abrams's production company, Bad Robot, is initiating job cuts. The company plans to move its operations from Los Angeles to New York. These layoffs are expected to impact various departments within the organization. The exact number of affected employees has not yet been disclosed. This move comes amidst industry-wide challenges.

Los Angeles, California

https://www.fastcompany.com/91524432/hollywood-layoffs-2026-disney-sony-bad-robot-list-entertainment-job-cuts

251 permanent layoffs at PayPal’s San Jose headquarters, filed with California employment regulators this week.
The WARN notice is advance notice: the 251 San Jose layoffs are scheduled to take effect Oct. 30, 2026, per the filing made this week. California’s WARN law requires 60 days’ notice before separation, so those employees are still on payroll until then.

https://edd.ca.gov/en/jobs_and_training/Layoff_Services_WARN/

Any news on whether Sacramento will be exiting next year?

Stanford Health Care and John Muir Health are implementing layoffs impacting a significant number of employees. Stanford Health Care will eliminate 79 positions at one location and 16 at another. John Muir Health is cutting a total of 78 roles across Contra Costa County. These workforce reductions are effective in early November. The notices were filed according to the WARN report.

Palo Alto, California

https://www.kron4.com/news/bay-area/stanford-health-care-john-muir-health-announce-layoffs/

A2 should be responsible and at least do our part for a better planet. That includes less skid marks from fast wearing non-green tires. Also, should do more research on soy or hemp-based tires. With AI, I believe this is now possible. See below how California is being a good steward of our planet:

The California Energy Commission has voted unanimously to require most replacement tires sold in the state to have as low rolling resistance as the tires a car originally came with from the factory.

Blue Diamond Growers is continuing to reduce its Sacramento workforce. This is part of a larger plan to close its long-standing almond processing and packaging facility. The closure was initially announced in June 2025. An additional 82 jobs will be eliminated by the end of the year. This action signifies further workforce reduction at the company's Sacramento operations.

Sacramento, California

https://www.bizjournals.com/sacramento/news/2026/09/01/blue-diamond-82-more-layoffs.html

Amazon and Synopsys are implementing significant layoffs across their Bay Area operations. Amazon will eliminate 148 positions in San Francisco and Sunnyvale, impacting various technical roles. Synopsys, a chip design software company, plans to cut 128 jobs from its Sunnyvale campus. These reductions are expected to take effect in October and December, respectively. The reasons for these specific cuts were not detailed in the filings.

https://finance.yahoo.com/technology/articles/amazon-synopsys-cut-more-275-202215422.html

Any news on whether Concord, CA will remain a speciality hub next year?

Other states have different limits as to whether the layoff is published.

ArsenalBio is undergoing a significant restructuring, laying off 99 employees to focus on in vivo CAR-T therapy. This strategic shift involves halting development of the company's ex vivo clinical assets. The biotech was once a strong fundraiser, securing substantial investments and partnerships. The company is now seeking new opportunities for its existing technology and assets. This move places ArsenalBio in a competitive field with several established players.

San Francisco, California

https://www.fiercebiotech.com/biotech/arsenalbio-sheds-most-staff-pivot-vivo-car-t

California is poised to enact a new law requiring businesses to disclose if artificial intelligence or automation is replacing workers during layoffs. This legislation, which has passed the state Senate, will expand existing layoff notification requirements. Employers will need to include information about AI or automation in their official layoff notices and reports to the state's labor agency. The bill aims to provide greater transparency for workers affected by technological displacement. Governor Gavin Newsom is expected to sign the measure into law.

Sacramento, California

https://news.bloomberglaw.com/daily-labor-report/california-passes-bill-requiring-notices-of-ai-related-layoffs

The Institute of Contemporary Art San Diego's board is investigating allegations of financial mismanagement following significant staff layoffs. Current and former employees submitted a letter of no confidence, requesting the executive director's dismissal and a formal audit. The board has acknowledged receiving these concerns and is conducting a thorough review. Documentation suggests financial and operational issues have impacted the institution's ability to meet payroll and fulfill its mission. The museum confirmed nearly half of its staff was eliminated on August 17th.

San Diego, California

https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2026/08/26/after-layoffs-institute-of-contemporary-art-san-diego-faces-internal-review/

Hearing whispers of some restructuring of the branches in CA. Specifically the South LA branch becoming the main branch and OC and the Ventura branches being closed or turned into ghost warehouses. Anyone have any more info on that?

Anduril Industries is investing an additional $1 billion into a new campus in Long Beach, California. This expansion will include facilities for offices, labs, and prototype manufacturing. The company is developing advanced technologies such as drones and autonomous fighter jets. In contrast, Autodesk is reducing its workforce by approximately 1,000 employees. These layoffs are attributed to strategic realignments and a focus on artificial intelligence leadership.

Long Beach, California

https://www.latimes.com/0000019b-fd37-dccc-a3bb-ff3fc3ce0000-123

The Long Beach Unified School District has laid off more than 500 employees to address a significant financial deficit. These cuts include temporary certified staff, federally-funded Head Start program employees, librarians, and various support staff. District employees express deep concern that these layoffs will negatively impact student learning, wellness, and increase the workload for remaining staff. Despite these concerns, the district maintains that core student services will be protected. The decision comes as the district faces a nearly $70 million budget shortfall.

Long Beach, California

https://sigtrib.com/lbusd-laid-off-over-500-employees-teachers-and-staff-are-concerned-about-the-long-term-impact/

Long Beach is proposing significant layoffs affecting over 260 city employees to address a $58 million budget deficit. The cuts will impact various departments, including fire, police, and homeless services. Over 200 vacant positions are also slated for elimination. This measure is necessary due to rising personnel costs, legal payouts, and a slowdown in tax revenue. The city aims to balance its $4 billion spending plan for the upcoming fiscal year.

Long Beach, California

https://lbpost.com/news/city/long-beach-city-layoffs-budget-cuts/

Blue Shield of California is implementing layoffs across the state. The company will eliminate 18 positions in the Sacramento area. These cuts are part of a larger statewide reduction of 60 jobs. The affected locations are El Dorado Hills and Rancho Cordova. This news indicates a restructuring within the organization.

https://www.bizjournals.com/sacramento/news/2026/08/25/blue-shield-sacramento-area-technology-layoffs.html

Megan Ellison's Annapurna Pictures has laid off approximately 30 employees, representing over 15% of its workforce. This significant reduction comes as the independent media company navigates shifting market conditions. The company confirmed the layoffs, stating they reflect current business realities. Annapurna is currently realigning its operations to adapt to the changing landscape of the entertainment industry. Ellison remains at the helm as CEO during this period of restructuring.

Los Angeles, California

https://variety.com/2026/film/news/megan-ellison-annapurna-layoffs-1236843926/

Automated cell therapy manufacturer Cellares is implementing layoffs due to the termination of a significant customer partnership. CEO Fabian Gerlinghaus stated the company needs to "resize" following this development. The exact number of affected employees and the identity of the departed customer remain undisclosed. This reduction aims to refocus resources on Cellares' ongoing clinical and commercial programs. The company maintains that its technology is proven and its fundamentals remain strong.

South San Francisco, California

https://www.fiercepharma.com/pharma/cellares-ceo-seeks-resize-company-after-loss-large-cell-therapy-manufacturing-customer

Palo Alto Unified School District is confronting a $33 million budget deficit for the upcoming school year. This significant financial challenge is expected to result in substantial layoffs and difficult decisions for the school board. The deficit is too large to be addressed by minor cost-saving measures alone. The district will first attempt to minimize job losses by not filling vacant positions and reassigning current staff. However, eliminating programs, services, and jobs is likely unavoidable.

Palo Alto, California

https://nypost.com/2026/08/23/us-news/palo-alto-unified-school-district-faces-possible-layoffs-amid-33m-budget-cut/

Oakland city officials announced their upcoming budget will not include layoffs or further service reductions. The mid-cycle budget proposal aims to maintain current spending levels across essential services like public safety and homelessness support. Leaders emphasized that the budget relies on reliably projected revenue, not uncertain sources like the Coliseum sale. They also previewed plans for Measure E, a parcel tax aimed at funding deferred maintenance and expanding services. The full budget and Measure E spending plan are set to be released soon.

Oakland, California

https://oaklandside.org/2026/05/14/barbara-lee-budget-proposal-oakland-measure-e/

The Oakland City Council has approved a new budget with amendments, narrowly passing the proposal. This budget will guide the city's finances for the upcoming fiscal year. Key allocations include funding for affordable housing, fire engine replacements, and incentives for the film industry. While some council members raised concerns about unfilled positions, the final vote did not result in any layoffs. The budget prioritizes public safety, parks, and homelessness reduction.

Oakland, California

https://www.kalw.org/bay-area-news/2026-06-16/oakland-budget-passes-no-layoffs-empty-positions-and-a-win-for-oakland-filmmakers

Oakland's City Council has approved mid-cycle budget amendments totaling $4 billion. The approved plan avoids any layoffs for city employees. Supporters state the budget prioritizes public safety and essential services. It utilizes one-time funds to cover immediate expenses. The amendments also address long-term financial obligations.

Oakland, California

https://abc7news.com/post/oakland-city-council-approves-mid-cycle-amendments-4-billion-budget-layoffs-measure-failure/19292791/

California-based space start-up Vast has reduced its workforce by 46 employees, representing approximately 4% of its staff. This decision follows a significant $500 million funding round secured by the company. A company spokesperson stated the layoffs were performance-related and occurred during the mid-year review. Despite these cuts, Vast is actively recruiting for numerous other roles. The company remains committed to its ambitious space station projects.

San Francisco, California

https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/space-station-start-up-vast-lays-off-46-employees/story

Stone Brewing is closing three Escondido locations and eliminating 220 jobs. This move follows the company's sale by Sapporo to Firestone Walker and Duvel Moortgat. Production will be consolidated at facilities in Paso Robles, California, and Kansas City, Missouri. The company stated it is committed to supporting affected employees through this transition. This downsizing reflects broader challenges in the independent craft beer industry.

Escondido, California

https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2026-08-21/stone-brewing-bumble-bee-foods-layoffs