August 8, 2026 - California Observer

California Restaurants Turn to Tasting Menus as Costs Keep Rising

California restaurants are expanding their use of tasting menus as operators confront elevated labor, food, and operating costs. From Hermosa Beach to San Francisco, fixed-course formats are appearing at multiple price points, showing how restaurants are narrowing menu complexity while giving diners clearer upfront pricing. Key Takeaways USDA forecasts food-away-from-home prices to rise 3.5% in […]

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Estate Tax Exemption Planning: How AE Tax Advisors Helps Families Lock in Current Benefits

The federal estate and gift tax exemption is one of the more politically volatile provisions in the tax code. The current exemption, historically high by any measure, is scheduled to sunset at the end of 2025 under existing law, reverting to roughly half of the current level. The political environment makes the exemption’s future uncertain,