Visual effects artists aim to create better work environments

They called it the zombie walk.

Proposed limits on health self-insurance plans debated

Business and insurance groups are attacking a proposal by state regulators to impose new limits on a controversial form of health coverage...

Venture capital declines, but California retains leading share

U.S.-based companies raised $6.3 billion through 717 venture capital deals during the first quarter of 2012, an 18% decline in capital and...

Flying car aims to take wing in the commercial market

The Jetsons had one, and Fred MacMurray flew one in "Flubber." Novelist Ian Fleming included one in his children's book "Chitty Chitty...

State Senate panel backs bill to deregulate Internet phone service

SACRAMENTO — An industry-backed bill that would preempt state agencies from regulating Internet-enabled voice and data transmissions...

Western Union should at least send scammers a message

If a major company found out that a scammer was using its name to defraud people, you'd think it would do everything possible to nab the...

Stocks end mixed; Apple hurts Nasdaq

For most of the year, Apple has propelled the Nasdaq composite index forward. The stock climbed from $405 at the start of the year to more...

Best Buy can be saved by offering expertise and good service

How can Best Buy be saved?

Retail sales rose 0.8%, helped by job gains

WASHINGTON — U.S. retail sales rose at a solid pace last month, as a healthier job market encouraged more consumers to shop.

Healthcare pricing still a struggle for consumers

Californians are still struggling to get straight answers about the cost of common medical procedures despite state efforts aimed at lifting...

Jeffrey Schlesinger brings Warner films and TV to global viewers

The gig: As president of Warner Bros. International Television, Jeffrey Schlesinger, 56, oversees sales of Warner...

Food and energy costs push consumer prices higher in March

WASHINGTON — The cost of living rose again in March even as the price of gasoline leveled off, the U.S. government reported Friday.

Healthcare reform is about lives, not just politics

Dale Berman doesn't just have a rooting interest in the Supreme Court upholding the healthcare reform law. You could say his life depends on...

Consumer watchdog agency backs off on high-cost credit cards

The Obama administration's consumer financial watchdog wants to undo a limit on some upfront fees on credit cards, prompting criticism...

Error-laden criminal background checks cost jobs, report says

Criminal background checks conducted on prospective employees routinely contain errors, mismatch people or misclassify criminal offenses,...

Nokia issues fix and $100 credit for bug in Lumia 900 smartphone

If you bought a Nokia Lumia 900, you're getting your money back. Nokia found a software bug in its $99 Windows-based smartphone and is...

Let's bring back the idea of a free UC education

The son of a railroad worker, Earl Warren came from a family keeping a desperate finger hold on a working-class existence at the turn of the...

It's hard to give telemarketers the slip

Bill Robbins was having trouble with telemarketers. Even though his number is on the government's Do Not Call list, he was getting about...

U.S. may require banks to provide more information on mortgages

WASHINGTON — The federal government's consumer finance watchdog is considering tough new rules on banks to provide homeowners with...

Deed in lieu transfer can speed up foreclosure process

Dear Liz: Is there any way to expedite the foreclosure process? My wife bought a townhome shortly before we were married. Long...