Consumer Catch-up: CA online colleges, retail partnerships, diet wine

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- California online colleges

More access to higher education is in the works for millions of California adults trying to advance their careers. The California Community Colleges System is considering proposals for a fully online-college that would cater to people who've been struggling since the great recession.

The goal is to help people earn credentials they need to launch new careers relevant to today's economy. "Those are the kinds of students we're trying to reach," said Eloy Ortiz Oakley, California Community Colleges Chancellor. "Those working-age adults who are stuck in jobs, what we call 'stranded workers,' who can't just drop what they're doing and come to our colleges."

Education officials say about two-point-five million Californians don't have a college degree. Those online courses could help them gain relevant skills quickly to advance their careers.

Among the options, a plan to build an alliance of colleges that deliver online courses through a subscription service. Officials say it could still be a few years before the program launches.

Retailers partnering for online influence

Some big brick-and-mortar retailers are teaming up with online giants, trying to boost sales as the busy holiday season kicks off. Shoppers at Kohl's can now test Amazon devices at some stores. They can also return Amazon items in-store at some Kohl's locations.

Nike made some of its sneakers available on Amazon, and Sears is now selling its Kenmore appliances on the site. Add Best Buy to that list, too; the store teamed up with Amazon for voice shopping.

Walmart is working to build a coalition of its own. The retail giant purchased several smaller online brands, and is Google's highest-profile partner for voice shopping on Google Home. Walmart also recently announced a web partnership with high-end department store Lord & Taylor.

Weight Watchers and Healdsburg wine company create diet wine

Just in time for this season of eating and drinking, weight loss company Weight Watchers is debuting a new diet wine. It's called "Cense" and the very first offering is a 2016 Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand.

One serving will put you back just 85 calories, or 3 SmartPoints. Weight Watchers partnered with Healdsburg-based wine company Truett Hurst to develop the wine, and said the goal was to create a "SmartPoints-friendly wine without compromising flavor." The Cense wine is described as having aromas of lemon, lime, and grapefruit. It costs $15 a bottle.

Written and produced by Miranda Dotson