San Diego business owners hope a better economy is around the corner NBC 7 San Diego [Video]

The economy hasn’t been kind. It’s been rough on consumers. It’s been rough on small businesses.

Especially small businesses.

“We need to change the cost of living in California,” said Mona Aquino.

Aquino bought Pauly’s Pizza Joint on Miramar Road in San Diego 15 years ago. She said the past four years have been the hardest.

“Everything just skyrocketed,” she said while grabbing an empty pizza box. “This is what we use the most. It used to be about $15 a sleeve (of boxes). It is now $35 to 40.”

According to the Public Policy Institute of California, prices for everyone have increased 23% since April of 2019. The institute said prices should have gone up only 11%.

“Everybody’s trying to cut corners. Everybody’s trying to save money,” Aquino sighed.

Dena Brown had similar concerns down the street where she’s overseeing construction of The Bunker. Brown has never owned a business before.

“No, I have never. …