"California Fast Food Franchisees Navigate Challenges Amid New Minimum Wage Law"

The owner of an ice cream shop in Southern California is questioning the application of California's new fast-food labor law, which requires major fast-food chains to pay workers at least $20 an hour. The law's negotiations, led by Gov. Gavin Newsom's office, have been controversial, with allegations of special exemptions and the use of nondisclosure agreements. The owner of Handel's Ice Cream is seeking clarification on whether her shop falls under the law, as it primarily sells ice cream treats and employs high school and college students. Despite efforts to seek clarification from state lawmakers and labor groups, she has not received a clear answer and is considering legal action.