By STEPHANIE HOOPS, Scripps Howard News Service
A 'company doctor' system of health care grows at large firms
A variation on the company doctor is emerging at big companies across the country, where businesses are sponsoring on-site medical centers to provide employees with free or low-cost healthcare.
In Oxnard, Calif., for instance, a large berry grower that employees scores of migrant and other workers adopted the approach at the start of the year.
Meet another Joe the Plumber, this one in Calif.
OXNARD, Calif. -- Joe Lara's cell phone went off Thursday morning like a winning slot machine, belting out "ding, ding, ding, ding, ding." The Oxnard man picked it up and recoiled: He had 56 voice mails."I said, Who in the heck is calling me?' "
Moth that could devastate Calif. agriculture trapped in yard
An African moth capable of devastating agriculture crops has been trapped for the first time on U.S. soil in California.
U.S. growers fighting back against foreign flowers
VENTURA, Calif. -- After more than 16 years of Latin American countries enjoying a leg up on them, California's cut flower growers say they have had enough.While sitting quietly on the sidelines, they have seen their market share plummet as foreign growers flourished through duty-free access to the United States.
Employees walk fine line with political talk at workplace
Politics has long been up there with sex, religion and money as a topic to avoid among polite company.But what about in the office?With the presidential election in full swing, business etiquette expert Barbara Pachter advises people not to engage in political discussions at work.
A-h-h-h-h-h-h, the life of a Christmas giftwrapper
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. -- You think your life is difficult during the "stress-mas" season? Try being a gift wrapper.
Stores tighten return policies to combat fraud
Behind the retail sales counter, Carole Penberthy has heard every kind of excuse from customers trying to return items.
