97 firms announced plans to expand in California.

The state Commerce Department said that, during the first three months of 1985, 97 companies announced plans for new plants or expansions in California, compared to 67 such projects announced during the same period last year. Commerce Director Christy Campbell said “the first-quarter figures show a growing confidence in California’s plan to create new jobs through responsible growth.” Of the 97 first-quarter projects, each involving an investment of $500,000 or more, 23 were in Los Angeles County, 14 in Santa Clara County and 13 in San Joaquin County.