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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>

San Diego leans into FIFA World Cup with matches and fan zones

From matches at Snapdragon to beachside fan zones, San Diego is embracing World Cup fever.

Sports

San Diego isn&#x27;t a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2026 FIFA World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/10/2026-world-cup-casual-fan-guide" data-vars-content-id="d44aa6ea-0979-4a41-9e19-393faae955ac" data-vars-headline="San Diego leans into FIFA World Cup with matches and fan zones" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/10/2026-world-cup-casual-fan-guide" target="_self">2026 FIFA World Cup</a> host city, but local soccer fans can still get in on the action next month with international matches and massive watch parties.The big picture: San Diego will <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="host two international friendlies" data-vars-click-url="https://sportssandiego.org/countdown-to-26/" data-vars-content-id="d44aa6ea-0979-4a41-9e19-393faae955ac" data-vars-headline="San Diego leans into FIFA World Cup with matches and fan zones" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://sportssandiego.org/countdown-to-26/" target="_blank">host two international friendlies</a> at Snapdragon Stadium ahead of the tournament — <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Switzerland vs. Australia" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ticketmaster.com/switzerland-vs-australia-san-diego-california-06-06-2026/event/0A00647FA8BEDB1A?CAMEFROM=CFC_SNAPDRAGON_STADIUM_WEB_EVENTPAGE_COUNTDOWNTO26&amp;_gl=1*195yip8*_ga*MTQxMTExMDA1Ny4xNzc4MTc1ODU3*_ga_L9ZKN7K4G6*czE3Nzk4MTYwODEkbzMkZzAkdDE3Nzk4MTYwODEkajYwJGwwJGgw" data-vars-content-id="d44aa6ea-0979-4a41-9e19-393faae955ac" data-vars-headline="San Diego leans into FIFA World Cup with matches and fan zones" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ticketmaster.com/switzerland-vs-australia-san-diego-california-06-06-2026/event/0A00647FA8BEDB1A?CAMEFROM=CFC_SNAPDRAGON_STADIUM_WEB_EVENTPAGE_COUNTDOWNTO26&amp;_gl=1*195yip8*_ga*MTQxMTExMDA1Ny4xNzc4MTc1ODU3*_ga_L9ZKN7K4G6*czE3Nzk4MTYwODEkbzMkZzAkdDE3Nzk4MTYwODEkajYwJGwwJGgw" target="_blank">Switzerland vs. Australia</a> on June 6 and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Colombia vs. Jordan" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ticketmaster.com/colombia-vs-jordan-san-diego-california-06-07-2026/event/0A00647FA8C3DB36?CAMEFROM=CFC_SNAPDRAGON_STADIUM_WEB_EVENTPAGE_COUNTDOWNTO26&amp;_gl=1*195yip8*_ga*MTQxMTExMDA1Ny4xNzc4MTc1ODU3*_ga_L9ZKN7K4G6*czE3Nzk4MTYwODEkbzMkZzAkdDE3Nzk4MTYwODEkajYwJGwwJGgw" data-vars-content-id="d44aa6ea-0979-4a41-9e19-393faae955ac" data-vars-headline="San Diego leans into FIFA World Cup with matches and fan zones" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ticketmaster.com/colombia-vs-jordan-san-diego-california-06-07-2026/event/0A00647FA8C3DB36?CAMEFROM=CFC_SNAPDRAGON_STADIUM_WEB_EVENTPAGE_COUNTDOWNTO26&amp;_gl=1*195yip8*_ga*MTQxMTExMDA1Ny4xNzc4MTc1ODU3*_ga_L9ZKN7K4G6*czE3Nzk4MTYwODEkbzMkZzAkdDE3Nzk4MTYwODEkajYwJGwwJGgw" target="_blank">Colombia vs. Jordan</a> on June 7.

San Diego FC players make 2026 World Cup rosters

No SDFC players made the U.S. team, but some are playing for other countries.

As expected, no San Diego FC players made the U.S. Men&#x27;s National Soccer Team World Cup <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="roster" data-vars-click-url="https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/48882389/usa-2026-world-cup-roster-christian-pulisic-squad-mckennie-adams" data-vars-content-id="7878c5ca-f672-4e84-a866-17133cf06d0c" data-vars-headline="San Diego FC players make 2026 World Cup rosters" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/48882389/usa-2026-world-cup-roster-christian-pulisic-squad-mckennie-adams" target="_blank">roster</a> announced Tuesday.Yes, but: Two local stars will be competing for other countries on the global stage when the tournament kicks off in June.

San Diego kid competes in 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee

The eighth-grader at Maranatha Christian School is one of 247 spellers vying to win $50,000.

San Diego has a local kid to cheer on in the 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee. The big picture: 14-year-old Benjamin Reinhard is one of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="247 spellers" data-vars-click-url="https://spellingbee.com/index.php/meet-the-spellers" data-vars-content-id="7c664303-325e-4197-8df6-f83316bf9f73" data-vars-headline="San Diego kid competes in 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://spellingbee.com/index.php/meet-the-spellers" target="_blank">247 spellers</a> competing in this year&#x27;s nationwide competition that starts Tuesday.

SDFC opens new court in Southeast

The colorful soccer and basketball court is also a public art piece at Henderson Sports Complex.

Kids in Southcrest and Lincoln Park have a fresh place to play sports thanks to San Diego FC.Zoom in: The colorful sport court and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="public art piece" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DYQnYXHyf05/" data-vars-content-id="c804ab5e-2476-482a-87f1-0cea5807ce42" data-vars-headline="SDFC opens new court in Southeast" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DYQnYXHyf05/" target="_blank">public art piece</a> opened at the Willie Henderson Sports Complex over the weekend.

SDFC's $24 million player payroll is top 5 in MLS

SDFC's Chucky Lozano, one of the highest paid players in MLS, isn't on the field.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="San Diego FC " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/02/02/sdfc-2026-season-concacaf-champions-cup-snapdragon" data-vars-content-id="130e660d-2361-413f-a654-c481ef72fdcf" data-vars-headline="SDFC&#x27;s $24 million player payroll is top 5 in MLS" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/02/02/sdfc-2026-season-concacaf-champions-cup-snapdragon" target="_self">San Diego FC </a>spends nearly $24.4 million on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="compensation for its players" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/07/11/mls-player-team-salary-2025" data-vars-content-id="130e660d-2361-413f-a654-c481ef72fdcf" data-vars-headline="SDFC&#x27;s $24 million player payroll is top 5 in MLS" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/07/11/mls-player-team-salary-2025" target="_self">compensation for its players</a>, according to the Major League Soccer Players Association&#x27;s latest <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="salary guide" data-vars-click-url="https://mlsplayers.org/resources/salary-guide" data-vars-content-id="130e660d-2361-413f-a654-c481ef72fdcf" data-vars-headline="SDFC&#x27;s $24 million player payroll is top 5 in MLS" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://mlsplayers.org/resources/salary-guide" target="_blank">salary guide</a>.<ul><li>But that total is less than what the league&#x27;s top-paid player brings in.</li></ul>

San Diego poker pro makes a living playing the odds

A San Diego player turned math into a career, grinding poker games from Chula Vista to Vegas.

&quot;Professional poker player&quot; might sound like a euphemism for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="someone who loses money" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/08/polymarket-kalshi-draftkings-fanduel-betting" data-vars-content-id="468079e9-0e54-406a-9b63-dce1eb458a32" data-vars-headline="San Diego poker pro makes a living playing the odds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/08/polymarket-kalshi-draftkings-fanduel-betting" target="_self">someone who loses money</a> at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="casinos" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/01/gambling-laws-tax-2026-states" data-vars-content-id="468079e9-0e54-406a-9b63-dce1eb458a32" data-vars-headline="San Diego poker pro makes a living playing the odds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/01/gambling-laws-tax-2026-states" target="_self">casinos</a> all day, but San Diegan <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tim Acker" data-vars-click-url="https://pokerdb.thehendonmob.com/player.php?a=r&amp;n=130368" data-vars-content-id="468079e9-0e54-406a-9b63-dce1eb458a32" data-vars-headline="San Diego poker pro makes a living playing the odds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://pokerdb.thehendonmob.com/player.php?a=r&amp;n=130368" target="_blank">Tim Acker</a> has been living that dream for the past 20 years.The big picture: He&#x27;s all in on poker, splitting his time between online games, casino tournaments and the Chula Vista card room Seven Mile, and making a living in the process.<ul><li>Acker tells Axios that he stays away from private games in San Diego, though, because they&#x27;re &quot;sketch,&quot; meaning you might get cheated or robbed.</li></ul>

San Diego poker pro shares tips to win at the table

A local pro breaks down simple strategies — from betting to bluffing — that can improve your game.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tim Acker" data-vars-click-url="https://pokerdb.thehendonmob.com/player.php?a=r&amp;n=130368" data-vars-content-id="3e017278-64e6-487d-b283-ed6926c271a1" data-vars-headline="San Diego poker pro shares tips to win at the table" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://pokerdb.thehendonmob.com/player.php?a=r&amp;n=130368" target="_blank">Tim Acker</a>&#x27;s job is to play poker. He&#x27;s been a professional player for 20 years and told Axios he makes in the six figures playing casino tournaments, online and in the Chula Vista card room Seven Mile.The big picture: The pro sat down with Kate, Claire and their husbands for a poker lesson (lucky us!). It all comes down to math, he said.

Padres close to being sold for a record amount

A deal being discussed would be the highest valuation ever for a MLB team sale.

The San Diego Padres are reportedly nearing a sale.Why it matters: They&#x27;re still chasing their first World Series — but could sooner claim a different distinction: the highest valuation ever for an MLB team sale.

Sports 🏅

How and where to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup in San Diego

Hundreds of Padres fans turn Petco Park into a remote office

BYOLaptop to Petco Park

San Diego leans into FIFA World Cup with matches and fan zones

San Diego FC players make 2026 World Cup rosters