Local Insights. Statewide Impact. Served in 12 Regions.
Stay connected to what matters most where you do business. Policy & Plates with the CRA delivers curated, region-specific updates from California’s 12 distinct regions, giving you a localized view of the issues shaping the restaurant industry.
CalRecycle published updated source-reduction reporting guidance on August 4, 2026, as part of California's packaging producer responsibility program. The agency continues to maintain producer guidance for single-use packaging and plastic food service ware covered by SB 54.
Why it matters: Restaurants, franchisors, packaged-food operators, and suppliers may want to monitor packaging, service ware, procurement, and producer-responsibility questions as implementation continues.
Source: CalRecycle Producer Guidance; CalRecycle Packaging EPR Program
California
ICYMI: NEWS YOU NEED TO KNOW Restaurant team-members targeted for restrictive scheduling: What operators need to know
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.
CRA ON AIRTALK LA Rams owner buys the Angels, AI in LAUSD and healthcare, street vending and more
Street vending has long been part of Los Angeles’ diverse culinary culture, providing opportunities for entrepreneurs while adding to the city’s vibrant food scene. At the same time, evolving sidewalk vending policies have raised important questions about how the city balances vendor opportunities with the regulations, costs, and requirements facing brick-and-mortar restaurants. CRA President & CEO Jot Condie joins the conversation to share the restaurant industry’s perspective and discuss the importance of a fair, workable path forward.
Help keep your business running smoothly and sustainably. Take advantage of energy-efficient natural gas equipment rebates from SoCalGas, including up to $3,000 on qualifying ovens and a variety of foodservice equipment.
LEGAL PARTNER CONTENT AI is making phishing scams almost impossible to spot – 5 steps employers should take to combat latest threat
Artificial intelligence tools have made it dramatically easier for scammers to produce convincing phishing messages, with the speed of change significantly outpacing the defenses most employers currently have in place. AI-generated messages are now fluent and well-written, eliminating the grammatical errors and awkward phrasing that used to serve as tell-tale warning signs. Learn more about what’s happening and five steps you should consider taking.
NATIONAL FOOD SAFETY MONTH From Insights to Prevention: Understanding Foodborne Illness Outbreaks to Prevent Food Safety Risks within Foodservice Operations. In partnership with Ecolab
September 24, 2026 ● 11 AM PDT
Join Ecolab food safety experts Mandy Sedlak and Erin Mertz as they examine common foodservice risk factors identified through health inspections and real-world foodborne illness outbreaks. Drawing on outbreak lessons and industry insights, they will discuss practical prevention strategies that can help foodservice operators strengthen food safety practices and improve operational performance.
LEGAL PARTNER CONTENT Deadline imminent for Connecticut’s Expanded Electronic Monitoring Law
"On June 4, 2026, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont signed Public Act No. 26-73 (SB 472), “An Act Concerning the Electronic Surveillance of Employees,” which repeals and replaces Conn. Gen. Stat. § 31-48d. The law takes effect October 1, 2026, and significantly updates Connecticut’s longstanding requirements governing electronic monitoring of employees by employers."
CRA WEBINAR Cut your costs without changing vendors: A step-by-step playbook for restaurant operators
September 23, 2026 ● 10:00 AM PDT
Unlock hidden savings in your restaurant! Many operators miss out on 5–12% of revenue in areas like payment processing and supplies. Join our 45-minute webinar, a follow-up to the California Restaurant Show, to learn a five-step program for managing these costs, uncover pricing traps, and ask the right vendor questions. Discover how California restaurants saved over $100,000 on merchant processing without switching vendors!
PARTNER CONTENT Avoid downgrades to cut payment acceptance costs
One effective way to reduce payment card acceptance costs is to avoid downgrades. Downgrades occur due to actions you take, or fail to take, that lead to increased fees from card networks such as Discover, Mastercard, UnionPay, and Visa. These additional fees primarily address security-related risks and can typically be avoided by following best practices. Discover some common reasons for downgrades, along with steps you can take to prevent them.
Unlock comprehensive coverage for your restaurant or hotel employees through HealthMarkets Insurance Agency Inc. We understand your unique needs and are dedicated to providing the best solutions for your business. Protect your team today!
Looking for a way to get more involved with local restaurant leaders? Consider joining the Los Angeles chapter of the CRA Board of Directors. Please contact Kathie Griley at kgriley@calrest.org if you would like more information.
Looking to get more exposure in this area of the state? Consider sponsoring an upcoming event. Sponsorships start at $250! Please contact Kathie Griley at kgriley@calrest.org for more information.
Join the Los Angeles Chapter on Social Media
If you’re a restaurateur in one of these regions, follow us and drop a like!
Orange County Chapter
Join Chef Masters in support of Abound Food Care
SEP 27, 2026 ● 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Festival of the Pageant of the Masters Laguna Beach
Looking for a way to get more involved with local restaurant leaders? Consider joining the Orange County chapter of the CRA Board of Directors. Please contact Kathie Griley at kgriley@calrest.org if you would like more information.
Looking to get more exposure in this area of the state? Consider sponsoring an upcoming event. Sponsorships start at $250! Please contact Kathie Griley at kgriley@calrest.org for more information.
Join the Orange County Chapter on Social Media
If you’re a restaurateur in one of these regions, follow us and drop a like!
Sacramento Chapter
How Restaurants Lose Employment Lawsuits: 5 Mistakes That Make Plaintiffs’ Lawyers Smile
Looking for a way to get more involved with local restaurant leaders? Consider joining the Sacramento chapter of the CRA Board of Directors. Please contact Kathie Griley at kgriley@calrest.org if you would like more information.
Join the Sacramento Chapter on Social Media
If you’re a restaurateur in one of these regions, follow us and drop a like!
While all information released by the California Restaurant Association (CRA) is intended to provide accurate information on the subject covered, the CRA does not provide legal advice and any information provided by the CRA shall not constitute legal advice. You are encouraged to consult your attorney, accountant, or other appropriate professional, as needed.
Confidentiality note:
This electronic message transmission contains information from the California Restaurant Association which may be confidential or privileged. The information is intended to be for the use of the individual or entity named above. If you are not the intended recipient, be aware that any disclosure, copying, distribution or use of the contents of this information is prohibited.
If you have received this electronic transmission in error, please immediately notify us by telephone at 800.765.4842.
%20(1).jpg?upscale=true&width=220&upscale=true&name=02-Paylocity-Logo-horizontal%20(002)%20(1).jpg){kind=logo}
.jpg?upscale=true&width=120&upscale=true&name=BMI_Logo_Box_HIres%20(1).jpg){kind=logo}
