Consumer

Happy couple shopping online
National Consumer Protection Week 2026: Protect What Matters Most 1000 587 Consumer & Business

National Consumer Protection Week 2026: Protect What Matters Most

Fraud, identity theft, and online scams continue to evolve. The best way to stay ahead is to spot red flags early and take a few simple steps to protect your personal information. If you’ve ever wondered how to improve your credit, shop confidently for a used car, or keep your personal information safe online, you’re…

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Celebrating DCBA Innovator Brian J. Stiger, Director 2012 to 2018, for Black History Month
Brian J. Stiger: The Innovator Who Transformed LA County’s Marketplace 1001 587 Consumer & Business

Brian J. Stiger: The Innovator Who Transformed LA County’s Marketplace

DCBA has a long history of advocating for the people who make up the heart of LA County – families, workers, entrepreneurs, business owners, and community members striving for stability and opportunity. Black History Month invites us to honor the leaders whose work strengthened that mission though their vision and service, often in transformative ways.…

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New Year, New Laws: What LA County Residents Need to Know 1000 587 Consumer & Business

New Year, New Laws: What LA County Residents Need to Know

Starting January 2026, several new California laws will take effect across Los Angeles County. From gift cards and food delivery refunds to worker notices, immigrant data protections, and cannabis rules, here is a quick guide to what you should know.  Effective January 1, 2026  Consumer Protection: Stronger Rights for Shoppers and Service Users  AB 578…

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LA County Emergency Rent Relief Opens Dec 17
LA County to Launch Emergency Rent Relief Program for Residents Impacted by 2025 Wildfires and Financial Hardship 1000 587 Consumer & Business

LA County to Launch Emergency Rent Relief Program for Residents Impacted by 2025 Wildfires and Financial Hardship

After a year marked by devastating wildfires, displacement, and mounting financial pressures for Los Angeles County residents, the Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA) announced today that applications for the Emergency Rent Relief Program will open on Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at 9:00 AM PST. The deadline to submit applications is…

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The Real Cost of a Payday Loan 1000 587 Consumer & Business

The Real Cost of a Payday Loan

With the government shutdown creating financial stress for many households, payday loans may seem like a quick solution to cover urgent expenses. But these short-term loans often come with high fees and interest rates that can trap borrowers in a cycle of debt. What are payday loans Payday loans are small, short-term loans – usually…

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Creating Harmony Through Mediation 150 150 Consumer & Business

Creating Harmony Through Mediation

When tensions at home escalated to physical confrontations, an elderly mother and her adult children found themselves in a crisis neither side knew how to solve. When Conflict Hits Home After the Eaton Fire in Altadena destroyed Lisa’s home, her 80-year-old mother, Jane, welcomed her and her brother John, who faces serious chronic health issues,…

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LA County Rent Relief video series - landlord and tenant
Video Series Highlights LA County Rent Relief Program’s Human Impact 1000 587 Consumer & Business

Video Series Highlights LA County Rent Relief Program’s Human Impact

The Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA) announced the formal close of the LA County Rent Relief Program. The initiative, which opened December 12, 2023, and concluded June 4, 2024, successfully distributed more than $81 million in direct financial assistance to landlords across the County, helping protect housing stability for thousands…

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From Crisis Response to Systemic Change: DCBA Wins National Awards for People-First Programs 1000 587 Consumer & Business

From Crisis Response to Systemic Change: DCBA Wins National Awards for People-First Programs

Four groundbreaking programs, rooted in equity and economic justice, have earned Los Angeles County national recognition from the National Association of Counties (NACo). The Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA), alongside key County partners and community-based organizations, has been named a 2025 NACo Achievement Award winner for its leadership and collaboration on initiatives tackling…

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New Protections for Unincorporated LA County Workers Take Effect 1000 587 Consumer & Business

New Protections for Unincorporated LA County Workers Take Effect

Two important worker protections went into effect on July 1, 2025 for many people who work in unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County. Minimum Wage Increase The minimum wage has increased to $17.81 per hour for workers who work at least two hours in one week in the unincorporated areas of LA County. New Fair…

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From the Same Vine of Justice: César Chávez and DCBA 1000 587 Consumer & Business

From the Same Vine of Justice: César Chávez and DCBA

When you think of the Montgomery Bus Boycott, you probably think of Rosa Parks. When you think of the Delano grape strike and boycott one name usually comes to mind. On Monday, March 31, 2025, communities across the country will commemorate the life, legacy, and enduring contributions of César Chávez to the worker protection movement.…

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