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Confidential Bulletin — Government
Confidential Bulletin

Welcome to Confidential Bulletin, the essential podcast for members of the California Restaurant Association (CRA) and all professionals within California’s vibrant restaurant and hospitality industry. Brought to you by the CRA, this monthly podcast series is your go-to resource for expert insights, advice, and discussions on our industry’s most pressing issues today.

Confidential Bulletin offers limitless conversations with various guest hosts and speakers, from the complexities of compliance and the latest in politics affecting our businesses to innovative trends and operational challenges. Our revolving experts bring valuable perspectives on the unique landscape we navigate in California’s restaurant and hospitality sector.

Whether you’re looking for guidance on navigating regulations, curious about the future of dining in California, or interested in hearing from thought leaders shaping the industry, Confidential Bulletin has something for you. Each episode is crafted to matter deeply to you, addressing topics you care about and answering the questions you haven’t even thought to ask.

Why Listen?

Diverse Expertise: Engage with various experts, from seasoned restaurateurs to industry innovators, legal advisors, and beyond.

Relevant Topics: Stay ahead with discussions on compliance, politics, sustainability, technology, customer experience, and more.

Community Focus: Join a community dedicated to supporting and advancing California’s restaurant and hospitality industry.

#CaliforniaRestaurants #HospitalityIndustry #CRA #RestaurantTrends #Compliance #Politics #Innovation #Podcast

Join the Conversation:

Don’t miss an episode of Confidential Bulletin. Subscribe and be part of the conversation shaping the future of California’s restaurant and hospitality industry.

Visit our website: California Restaurant Association

Tune in every month for engaging, insightful, and unexpected conversations. You never know who might be on or what topic we’ll dive into next – but it will matter to you.

Copyright: © 2024

Latest Episodes:

Restaurant Team-Members Targeted for Restrictive Scheduling: What Operators Need to Know Sep 15, 2026

Show notes

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

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

Could California Eliminate Sales Tax on Restaurant Meals? Sep 02, 2026

Show notes

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.

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

California’s Legislative Deadline Is Here: What Restaurants Need to Know Sep 01, 2026

Show notes

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.

EPR Costs Are Coming: Tell Lawmakers to Hit Pause Aug 18, 2026

Show notes

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

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

One Industry, One Voice: Five Decades of Leadership in the Central Valley restaurant community Aug 05, 2026

Show notes

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.

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

Why Community Matters: Selwyn Yosslowitz on the Power of the CRA Los Angeles Chapter Jul 29, 2026

Show notes

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.

The legal landscape has changed. Here's what it means for you Jul 27, 2026

Show notes

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.

CA Moves Closer to Ending CIPA Shakedown Lawsuits Jul 14, 2026

Show notes

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.

Hiring Minors This Summer? Avoid Costly Compliance Mistakes in Your Restaurant Jul 08, 2026

Show notes

Summer hiring is ramping up across California’s restaurant industry, but employing minors involves unique compliance responsibilities employers must not overlook.

In this episode of Ask CRA on the Confidential Bulletin, Jackie Gutierrez from the California Restaurant Association is joined by Alden Parker from Fisher Phillips to break down key legal considerations for hiring minors.

Alden outlines critical risk areas employers must understand, including work permits required before the first shift, strict limits on working hours, and hazardous job restrictions. He also highlights common enforcement triggers, wage-and-hour pitfalls, and the importance of age-specific job descriptions and updated arbitration agreements.

Whether you’re hiring teens for the summer or planning year-round staffing, this episode provides practical guidance to help you stay compliant and avoid costly mistakes.

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

Stop CIPA Shakedown Lawsuits: Why SB 690 Matters to CA Restaurants Jun 30, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of CRA News You Need to Know, Courtney explains why SB 690 is a critical bill for California restaurants. Learn how it would help stop abusive CIPA lawsuits targeting businesses over routine website activity and how you can support the CRA's advocacy efforts by responding to the latest Action Alert.

Take Action: https://www.votervoice.net/mobile/CRA/Campaigns/138361/Respond

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.

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