Business columnist
Jonathan Lansner
Jonathan Lansner has been the Orange County Register's business columnist since 1997 and has been part of the newspaper's coverage of the local business scene since 1986. He is a past national president of the Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing and a 1979 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School.
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![The stall of one industry – creator of cutting-edge products and sky-high salaries – is roughly California's entire GDP slowdown. The stall of one industry – creator of cutting-edge products and sky-high salaries – is roughly California's entire GDP slowdown.](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GDP-GROWTH-1ST-QUARTER@2x-e1721084213474-1.jpeg?w=140)
How tech industry’s tumble cooled California’s economy
The stall of one industry – creator of cutting-edge products and sky-high salaries – is roughly California's entire GDP slowdown.
![GDP expansion ranked No. 29 among the states and the District of Columbia. GDP expansion ranked No. 29 among the states and the District of Columbia.](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GDP-GROWTH-1ST-QUARTER@2x-e1721084213474.jpeg?w=140)
California’s economy grew 1.2% in first quarter, slowest pace since 2022
GDP expansion ranked No. 29 among the states and the District of Columbia.
![Last year's 5% 1-year Treasury rates were the highest since 2000. Last year's 5% 1-year Treasury rates were the highest since 2000.](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/fredgraph-8.png?w=140)
Lock in 5% CDs before the Fed starts cutting rates
Last year's 5% 1-year Treasury rates were the highest since 2000.
![Counties with employment gains averaged 3.8% rent increases vs. 3.1% where jobs fell. Counties with employment gains averaged 3.8% rent increases vs. 3.1% where jobs fell.](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/California-rents-in-16x9-1.jpg?w=140)
To find California’s biggest rent hikes, see who’s hiring
Counties with employment gains averaged 3.8% rent increases vs. 3.1% where jobs fell.
![Southern California's best cities to be a renter cost an average 12% more than lower-ranked places. Southern California's best cities to be a renter cost an average 12% more than lower-ranked places.](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/OCR-L-BOC-APARTMENTCOMMUNITY-06XX-01.jpg?w=126)
What are Southern California’s best cities for renters?
Southern California's best cities to be a renter cost an average 12% more than lower-ranked places.
![Between 2014 and 2023, an average 1.71% of California's combined debts were 90 days or more late. Between 2014 and 2023, an average 1.71% of California's combined debts were 90 days or more late.](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Where-are-the-best-bill-payers_@2x.jpeg?w=140)
Californians rank 5th-best in US at bill paying
Between 2014 and 2023, an average 1.71% of California's combined debts were 90 days or more late.
![California rents equal $2.96 per square foot – 55% above the $1.91 charged nationally. California rents equal $2.96 per square foot – 55% above the $1.91 charged nationally.](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/What-apartments-cost-in-size@2x.jpeg?w=140)
California rents, per square foot, rank 5th-highest in US
California rents equal $2.96 per square foot – 55% above the $1.91 charged nationally.
![Nationally speaking, four of the 12 California markets had above-average competitiveness grades. Nationally speaking, four of the 12 California markets had above-average competitiveness grades.](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image002-1-e1719898399150.png?w=94)
Where’s the toughest place to find an apartment in California?
Nationally speaking, four of the 12 California markets had above-average competitiveness grades.
![But what folks tell pollsters like those who create confidence indexes – and what consumers actually do – aren't always the same thing. But what folks tell pollsters like those who create confidence indexes – and what consumers actually do – aren't always the same thing.](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Consumer-expectations-by-Conference-Board-Chart-by-Flourish@2x.jpeg?w=140)
California’s economic anxieties at heights last seen in 2013
But what folks tell pollsters like those who create confidence indexes – and what consumers actually do – aren't always the same thing.
![Health goods and personal care stores' sales rose at a 6.7% annual rate through February. Health goods and personal care stores' sales rose at a 6.7% annual rate through February.](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/CALIFORNIA-CONSUMER-SALES-GROWTH-6-MONTH-AVERAGE@2x-1-e1719506595365.jpeg?w=140)
California shoppers reverse gears, up spending 1.4% in early 2024
Health goods and personal care stores' sales rose at a 6.7% annual rate through February.