Last year’s taxable sales rose 14.5% in California.

The state Board of Equalization reported that taxable sales of all items totaled $194 billion in 1984, up $24.6 billion from 1983. The board also reported that Californians bought $19.3 billion worth of new cars during 1984, a 21% increase over 1983. The board, which administers the state’s 6% sales tax, said the growth was the strongest in five years. Taxable sales for the fourth quarter of 1984 were $52.4 billion, up 10.6% over the fourth quarter of 1983. Sales by retail stores were $34.8 billion, up 8.6% from 1983.