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Axios San Diego Partners

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Becerra, Hilton advance in California governor's race

Hilton had 25% of the vote and Becerra 27.9% with 91% of the vote counted this evening.

Politics

Republican Steve Hilton and Democrat Xavier Becerra are headed to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="California governor&#x27;s race" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2026/06/03/san-francisco-california-self-funded-candidates-chakrabarti-steyer-election-results" data-vars-content-id="0b1a3228-7252-4c9d-83e1-2b0ed32c2e70" data-vars-headline="Becerra, Hilton advance in California governor&#x27;s race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2026/06/03/san-francisco-california-self-funded-candidates-chakrabarti-steyer-election-results" target="_self">California governor&#x27;s race</a> in November, according to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Associated Press" data-vars-click-url="https://apnews.com/projects/elections-2026/california-primary-results-governor/" data-vars-content-id="0b1a3228-7252-4c9d-83e1-2b0ed32c2e70" data-vars-headline="Becerra, Hilton advance in California governor&#x27;s race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://apnews.com/projects/elections-2026/california-primary-results-governor/" target="_blank">Associated Press</a>.The big picture: With 91% of the vote counted as of Tuesday evening: <ul><li>Hilton has 25% of the vote and Becerra 27.9%.</li><li>The top two vote-getters, regardless of party, face off in November.</li></ul>

BYOLaptop to Petco Park

The Padres are leaning into a local influencer's work-from-anywhere stunt.

Things to Do

The Padres want fans to clock in from Petco Park for a &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Remote Work Wednesday" data-vars-click-url="https://www.mlb.com/padres/tickets/specials/theme-games/remote-work-wednesday" data-vars-content-id="0a92bbde-7f4a-48b6-abea-c9a113d936fb" data-vars-headline="BYOLaptop to Petco Park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.mlb.com/padres/tickets/specials/theme-games/remote-work-wednesday" target="_blank">Remote Work Wednesday</a>&quot; theme game against the Cincinnati Reds.Why it matters: A midday baseball game with a beer in hand seems like a great place to take video calls, answer emails and finish that slide deck your boss has been hassling you about.

Hundreds of Padres fans turn Petco Park into a remote office

Fans brought laptops, joined meetings and watched a Tatis walkoff at the ballpark.

News

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Petco Park" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/06/05/padres-remote-work-wednesday-game-petco-park-reds" data-vars-content-id="db6de003-fef7-4050-8d11-be919eaed7ca" data-vars-headline="Hundreds of Padres fans turn Petco Park into a remote office" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/06/05/padres-remote-work-wednesday-game-petco-park-reds" target="_self">Petco Park</a> isn&#x27;t the most productive place to work, but it was San Diego&#x27;s most fun office space Wednesday afternoon. Why it matters: The vibes were high. Focus level, not so much.

Cheaper trash and free Balboa parking could return

The proposal would reduce pickup fees, scrap Balboa Park parking charges and cost millions.

You could be paying less for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="trash" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/01/26/san-diego-budget-deficit-fee-hikes-trash-parking-water-2025" data-vars-content-id="4426c3e5-3f1a-42f9-9ea1-e796ccba518a" data-vars-headline="Cheaper trash and free Balboa parking could return" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/01/26/san-diego-budget-deficit-fee-hikes-trash-parking-water-2025" target="_self">trash</a> and nothing for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Balboa Park parking" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/02/25/more-free-parking-city-residents-balboa-park" data-vars-content-id="4426c3e5-3f1a-42f9-9ea1-e796ccba518a" data-vars-headline="Cheaper trash and free Balboa parking could return" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/02/25/more-free-parking-city-residents-balboa-park" target="_self">Balboa Park parking</a> next year.The big picture: The City Council is considering a new deal Monday after outrage ensued over new fees that it passed last year.<ul><li>It made concessions to avoid a potential lawsuit and a ballot measure, which could have blown a massive hole in city finances.</li></ul>

Voters appear to reject Measure A in early returns

City leaders would lose a potential revenue stream as they grapple with a growing budget shortfall.

A majority of voters said &quot;no&quot; to the city&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="vacant home tax" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/05/13/san-diego-measure-a-non-primary-homes-tax-realtors-mailers" data-vars-content-id="ae9990ad-8c91-4720-be91-946bcc20d8e9" data-vars-headline="Voters appear to reject Measure A in early returns" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/05/13/san-diego-measure-a-non-primary-homes-tax-realtors-mailers" target="_self">vacant home tax</a> proposal, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="early returns" data-vars-click-url="https://www.livevoterturnout.com/ENR/sandiegocaenr/24/en/Index_24.html" data-vars-content-id="ae9990ad-8c91-4720-be91-946bcc20d8e9" data-vars-headline="Voters appear to reject Measure A in early returns" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.livevoterturnout.com/ENR/sandiegocaenr/24/en/Index_24.html" target="_blank">early returns</a> Tuesday night. The big picture: 58% of voters so far opposed Measure A, which would cost owners of second homes $8,000 annually in 2027 and $10,000 every year after.<ul><li>The city said the measure would bring in $9 million to $21 million each year to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="general fund" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/04/15/san-diego-mayor-gloria-draft-city-budget-2027-arts-police-fire-spending" data-vars-content-id="ae9990ad-8c91-4720-be91-946bcc20d8e9" data-vars-headline="Voters appear to reject Measure A in early returns" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/04/15/san-diego-mayor-gloria-draft-city-budget-2027-arts-police-fire-spending" target="_self">general fund</a>.</li></ul>

Nearly 7 in 10 San Diegans say the city is on the wrong track

Housing costs, the budget and homelessness are driving growing frustration with the city.

The share of San Diegans who think the city is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="on the wrong track" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/01/26/san-diego-budget-deficit-fee-hikes-trash-parking-water-2025" data-vars-content-id="6ee0d9dc-a3bb-430f-9a51-ce2de64dac77" data-vars-headline="Nearly 7 in 10 San Diegans say the city is on the wrong track" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/01/26/san-diego-budget-deficit-fee-hikes-trash-parking-water-2025" target="_self">on the wrong track</a> has spiked since last year, according to a new poll.The big picture: The poll, paid for by the city&#x27;s white collar union and obtained by Axios, puts some hard data behind just how unhappy people are with the city.

Your guide to voting in San Diego's primary election

You can still mail or drop off a ballot, vote in person and follow results tonight.

Today&#x27;s the last day to cast your ballot in our <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="June primary" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/05/13/california-june-2-primary-san-diego-ballot-guide-governor-insurance-commissioner" data-vars-content-id="baf42758-fd21-4102-9046-c0b56db4d3d8" data-vars-headline="Your guide to voting in San Diego&#x27;s primary election" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/05/13/california-june-2-primary-san-diego-ballot-guide-governor-insurance-commissioner" target="_self">June primary</a>.Catch up quick: Here&#x27;s your last-minute guide on how to vote if you haven&#x27;t already.

"The Big Middle" aims to reverse political polarization

"The Big Middle" uses live audience feedback to search for political common ground.

Encinitas resident Allan Hoving thinks he can actually get people to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="agree on politics" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/03/13/house-republicans-swing-seats-congress-democrats" data-vars-content-id="26548b16-57c9-4602-b3b7-d0cc835576d5" data-vars-headline="&quot;The Big Middle&quot; aims to reverse political polarization" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/03/13/house-republicans-swing-seats-congress-democrats" target="_self">agree on politics</a>.The big picture: Hoving launched a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="substack web show" data-vars-click-url="https://thebigmiddle.substack.com/p/the-big-middle-live-webshow" data-vars-content-id="26548b16-57c9-4602-b3b7-d0cc835576d5" data-vars-headline="&quot;The Big Middle&quot; aims to reverse political polarization" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://thebigmiddle.substack.com/p/the-big-middle-live-webshow" target="_blank">substack web show</a> this month called <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;The Big Middle,&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://thebigmiddle.substack.com/" data-vars-content-id="26548b16-57c9-4602-b3b7-d0cc835576d5" data-vars-headline="&quot;The Big Middle&quot; aims to reverse political polarization" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://thebigmiddle.substack.com/" target="_blank">&quot;The Big Middle,&quot;</a> where he uses a series of questions and surveys to bring the live audience to a consensus in real time.

San Diego District 8 candidates on cost-of-living fixes

Candidates shared plans for utility bills, housing costs, policing and city services.

The other open seat in San Diego&#x27;s June 2 election is in District 8, which runs from downtown to the Mexico border. The big picture: We asked the four candidates about cost-of-living questions.<ul><li>Council chief of staff <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Venus Molina" data-vars-click-url="https://www.venusford8.com/" data-vars-content-id="ed7c28af-ac14-4047-858b-ea744c2fb56c" data-vars-headline="San Diego District 8 candidates on cost-of-living fixes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.venusford8.com/" target="_blank">Venus Molina</a> didn&#x27;t respond.</li></ul>

District 2 hopefuls split on police, city spending

Candidates for San Diego's open District 2 seat offered sharply different budget priorities.

San Diego voters in District 2 will narrow the field on June 2 for a council member to fill an open seat. The council race has attracted the most candidates and spending.Catch up quick: District 2 covers Clairemont, Point Loma, Mission Beach, Ocean Beach and the Midway District. The top two vote-getters on June 2 will advance to the November election.

District 2 hopefuls on housing, SDG&E

Candidates for San Diego's open District 2 seat split on housing growth, utility bills and rentals.

San Diego&#x27;s spiciest City Council election this year is definitely District 2, where an open seat is attracting lots of candidates.The big picture: District 2 covers Clairemont, Point Loma, Mission Beach, Ocean Beach and the Midway District. The top two vote-getters on June 2 will advance to the November election.

How governor candidates would handle taxes and greenhouse gas

Candidates offered different plans on tax policy and greenhouse gas reductions.

Editor&#x27;s note: This is part 3 of our series asking California gubernatorial candidates how they would address our state&#x27;s most pressing issues. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Go here" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/05/14/june-2-primary-california-gas-electricity-affordability" data-vars-content-id="bf74732e-aa30-4d94-b424-0bab1e9cf48c" data-vars-headline="How governor candidates would handle taxes and greenhouse gas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/05/14/june-2-primary-california-gas-electricity-affordability" target="_self">Go here</a> for part 1 and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="here for part 2" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/05/15/california-governor-race-encampments-housing-mental-health" data-vars-content-id="bf74732e-aa30-4d94-b424-0bab1e9cf48c" data-vars-headline="How governor candidates would handle taxes and greenhouse gas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/05/15/california-governor-race-encampments-housing-mental-health" target="_self">here for part 2</a>.We posed your questions to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="candidates for governor" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/10/gavin-newsom-california-governor-race" data-vars-content-id="bf74732e-aa30-4d94-b424-0bab1e9cf48c" data-vars-headline="How governor candidates would handle taxes and greenhouse gas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/10/gavin-newsom-california-governor-race" target="_self">candidates for governor</a> on high tax payers and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="greenhouse gas emissions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/12/epa-greenhouse-gas-emissions-humans" data-vars-content-id="bf74732e-aa30-4d94-b424-0bab1e9cf48c" data-vars-headline="How governor candidates would handle taxes and greenhouse gas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/12/epa-greenhouse-gas-emissions-humans" target="_self">greenhouse gas emissions</a>.The big picture: Below are their responses. The top two vote-getters in June will advance to the November runoff.

Politics 🇺🇸

Becerra, Hilton advance in California governor's race

Cheaper trash and free Balboa parking could return

Voters appear to reject Measure A in early returns

Nearly 7 in 10 San Diegans say the city is on the wrong track

Your guide to voting in San Diego's primary election