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Gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton's plans for Calif. and San Diego

The Republican discusses income taxes, $3 gas, Sunbreak Ranch and the Tijuana River sewage crisis.

Election

It&#x27;s time to vote for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="governor" 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="08a65fad-9c3c-4843-bdba-d55e2d40e31c" data-vars-headline="Gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton&#x27;s plans for Calif. and San Diego" 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">governor</a> in California.The big picture: Democrat Xavier Becerra is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="squaring off against" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/06/10/california-governor-race-runoff-steve-hilton-xavier-becerra-election-2026" data-vars-content-id="08a65fad-9c3c-4843-bdba-d55e2d40e31c" data-vars-headline="Gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton&#x27;s plans for Calif. and San Diego" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/06/10/california-governor-race-runoff-steve-hilton-xavier-becerra-election-2026" target="_self">squaring off against</a> Republican Steve Hilton. Axios sent questions to both candidates and today we share Hilton&#x27;s responses.

Poppy Bakeshop brings sweet treats to Liberty Station

A former Wayfarer manager is serving fruity pastries, savory bialys and more.

Food and Drink

Goodbye to long weekend lines, cutthroat parking, and steep prices. Hello to moist baked goods, generous cookies, and savory bialys.The big (tasty) picture: Poppy Bakeshop is open for business inside Moniker General at Liberty Station, and, boy, does this sweet and salty pop-up deliver.

San Diego's relentless heat wave keeps breaking records

Cooler weather is expected Friday, with a chance of rain Sunday after a string of scorching days.

Environment

It hasn&#x27;t been <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="this hot" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/08/24/san-diego-weather-heat-advisory-110-115-forecast" data-vars-content-id="ef2e7b21-8390-45f6-b2fb-64373ab87884" data-vars-headline="San Diego&#x27;s relentless heat wave keeps breaking records" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/08/24/san-diego-weather-heat-advisory-110-115-forecast" target="_self">this hot</a> for this long in San Diego in almost 100 years.The big picture: The airport just recorded six straight days with temperatures of at least 90 degrees. If it gets that hot again Thursday (which is possible), it would break <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="1939&#x27;s record" data-vars-click-url="https://todaysrecordhigh.com/stations/san-diego-ca?rangeEnd=09-16&amp;rangeStart=09-01&amp;utm_source=chatgpt.com" data-vars-content-id="ef2e7b21-8390-45f6-b2fb-64373ab87884" data-vars-headline="San Diego&#x27;s relentless heat wave keeps breaking records" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://todaysrecordhigh.com/stations/san-diego-ca?rangeEnd=09-16&amp;rangeStart=09-01&amp;utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank">1939&#x27;s record</a> for the most consecutive days at or above 90°.

San Diego's 48th District candidates answer our questions

They discuss housing, health care and the issues that could put them at odds with their own parties.

The 48th Congressional District race is attracting national attention and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="big spending" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/11/senate-campaign-ad-spending-most-expensive-election" data-vars-content-id="e3eedc94-1c65-4a0e-a171-2ec2ab765f1f" data-vars-headline="San Diego&#x27;s 48th District candidates answer our questions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/11/senate-campaign-ad-spending-most-expensive-election" target="_self">big spending</a>, as Democrats hope to flip the seat from red to blue.The big picture: Republican Rep. Darrell Issa opted not to run again after <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="redistricting made the district favorable" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/10/09/how-prop-50-could-change-elections-in-san-diego" data-vars-content-id="e3eedc94-1c65-4a0e-a171-2ec2ab765f1f" data-vars-headline="San Diego&#x27;s 48th District candidates answer our questions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/10/09/how-prop-50-could-change-elections-in-san-diego" target="_self">redistricting made the district favorable</a> to Democrats, and Democratic City Councilwoman <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Marni von Wilpert" data-vars-click-url="https://www.marnivonwilpert.com/" data-vars-content-id="e3eedc94-1c65-4a0e-a171-2ec2ab765f1f" data-vars-headline="San Diego&#x27;s 48th District candidates answer our questions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.marnivonwilpert.com/" target="_blank">Marni von Wilpert</a> is hoping to capitalize on that.<ul><li>Meanwhile, County Supervisor <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Jim Desmond" data-vars-click-url="https://www.desmondforcongress.com/" data-vars-content-id="e3eedc94-1c65-4a0e-a171-2ec2ab765f1f" data-vars-headline="San Diego&#x27;s 48th District candidates answer our questions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.desmondforcongress.com/" target="_blank">Jim Desmond</a> is trying to keep the seat in the Republican camp.</li></ul>

What it's like to run San Diego's cemetery on Halloween 

David Noriega started on the grounds crew in 2001 and now helps families through their hardest days.

Culture

San Diego&#x27;s very own gravekeeper loves his job because, as you might expect, it&#x27;s very quiet.The big picture: While David Noriega prefers his professional title, area manager of the city-owned Mt. Hope Cemetery, he is in fact the keeper of about 80,000 departed and their resting places.

Golden retrievers are San Diego's top dog

The Mexican hairless dog, or Xolo, is the city's top-trending breed, according to Rover's report.

We officially know what San Diego&#x27;s favorite <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="dog" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/01/09/san-diego-history-bum-dog-mascot-city-legend" data-vars-content-id="8377c484-9928-4636-b708-bf5b1011b841" data-vars-headline="Golden retrievers are San Diego&#x27;s top dog" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/01/09/san-diego-history-bum-dog-mascot-city-legend" target="_self">dog</a> is.Why it matters: It&#x27;s a golden retriever, per a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rover" data-vars-click-url="https://www.rover.com/blog/redfin-dog-walk-guide/" data-vars-content-id="8377c484-9928-4636-b708-bf5b1011b841" data-vars-headline="Golden retrievers are San Diego&#x27;s top dog" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.rover.com/blog/redfin-dog-walk-guide/" target="_blank">Rover</a> report, which kind of epitomizes our city, doesn&#x27;t it?

How SeaWorld San Diego engineers its Halloween scares

More than 100 performers use hidden triggers, misdirection and movie scenes to deliver the scares.

Alexander Krikes is out to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="scare you" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/09/25/san-diego-kensington-slasher-romance-halloween-movie" data-vars-content-id="52947ff5-06c8-49ca-b4c1-154ad75f294f" data-vars-headline="How SeaWorld San Diego engineers its Halloween scares" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/09/25/san-diego-kensington-slasher-romance-halloween-movie" target="_self">scare you</a>.The big picture: Krikes is the evil genius, quite literally at times the man behind the curtain, for SeaWorld&#x27;s six <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="haunted houses" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/10/24/how-halloween-takes-over-san-diegos-maryland-street" data-vars-content-id="52947ff5-06c8-49ca-b4c1-154ad75f294f" data-vars-headline="How SeaWorld San Diego engineers its Halloween scares" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/10/24/how-halloween-takes-over-san-diegos-maryland-street" target="_self">haunted houses</a>, including an alien laboratory and a slaughterhouse.<ul><li>They&#x27;re part of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Howl-O-Scream" data-vars-click-url="https://seaworld.com/orlando/events/howl-o-scream/" data-vars-content-id="52947ff5-06c8-49ca-b4c1-154ad75f294f" data-vars-headline="How SeaWorld San Diego engineers its Halloween scares" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://seaworld.com/orlando/events/howl-o-scream/" target="_blank">Howl-O-Scream</a> nighttime attractions meant to draw horror-lovers to the park all this month.</li></ul>

Kensington stars in a new San Diego slasher-romance film

The 1990s-set horror comedy follows three old flames reunited by a Halloween killing spree.

San Diego&#x27;s very own <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Kensington" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/08/27/city-heights-normal-heights-kensington-rolando-housing-density-plan" data-vars-content-id="9e74d31e-a58e-42e7-ad64-44eedb4a150e" data-vars-headline="Kensington stars in a new San Diego slasher-romance film" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/08/27/city-heights-normal-heights-kensington-rolando-housing-density-plan" target="_self">Kensington</a> plays a starring role in a new slasher/romance movie.The big picture: Producer Justin Burquist has lived in the Kensington neighborhood for 15 years and thought its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cozy vibe" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2024/06/24/get-in-on-bleu-bohemes-midweek-happy-hour" data-vars-content-id="9e74d31e-a58e-42e7-ad64-44eedb4a150e" data-vars-headline="Kensington stars in a new San Diego slasher-romance film" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2024/06/24/get-in-on-bleu-bohemes-midweek-happy-hour" target="_self">cozy vibe</a> would be perfect for &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="A Corpse in Kensington" data-vars-click-url="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt31710398/" data-vars-content-id="9e74d31e-a58e-42e7-ad64-44eedb4a150e" data-vars-headline="Kensington stars in a new San Diego slasher-romance film" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt31710398/" target="_blank">A Corpse in Kensington</a>.&quot;

Chula Vista's Hollywood studio plan hits fundraising delays

The studio project lost a $15 million investor and still needs city approval before construction.

The push to make <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chula Vista the next Hollywood" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/02/12/chula-vista-entertainment-center-90000-square-foot-studio-aaron-roberts" data-vars-content-id="ec58a9ea-257f-46b9-bd15-dc20a09d8f9a" data-vars-headline="Chula Vista&#x27;s Hollywood studio plan hits fundraising delays" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/02/12/chula-vista-entertainment-center-90000-square-foot-studio-aaron-roberts" target="_self">Chula Vista the next Hollywood</a> has hit a snag.The big picture: A plan to build a Chula Vista Entertainment Center has been in the works for two years, but has been tripped up over fundraising and a vetting process, CEO Aaron Roberts told Axios.

San Diego Wave FC's Kenza Dali shares her game-day style

San Diego Wave midfielder Kenza Dali talks oversized looks, strong pieces and dressing for the weather.

Sports

Kenza Dali knows how to make an entrance.The big picture: The San Diego Wave FC midfielder rocks amazing pregame outfits as she enters the stadium. <ul><li>In our ongoing feature on San Diego fashion, we asked the soccer star about her style.</li></ul>

San Diego exhibit explores what families pass down

Local artists use baskets, bricks and woodwork to explore what families pass down across generations.

Things to Do

A new exhibit at the downtown library explores the idea of family through craft projects.The big picture: &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Becoming Heirlooms" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sandiego.gov/public-library/visualarts" data-vars-content-id="31adc2b5-e0c6-4ea9-8ab1-e6da8f9b285d" data-vars-headline="San Diego exhibit explores what families pass down" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sandiego.gov/public-library/visualarts" target="_blank">Becoming Heirlooms</a>&quot; uses work by local artists to explore the idea of inheritance and how heirlooms can be both a blessing and a burden.

Why San Diego florists say flowers are always the answer

Natalie Gill and Meghan Blancato share flower projects for celebrations, home decorating and grief.

The florists behind Native Poppy feel so strongly that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="flowers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/02/27/carlsbad-flower-fields-2026-opening-80-million-ranunculus-hours-tickets" data-vars-content-id="d3765dee-6c14-4205-9017-4360a40a9a9c" data-vars-headline="Why San Diego florists say flowers are always the answer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/02/27/carlsbad-flower-fields-2026-opening-80-million-ranunculus-hours-tickets" target="_self">flowers</a> are always a good choice that they&#x27;ve written a book to spread the message.The big picture: Any time you want to celebrate something or need a pick-me-up, turn to flowers, co-author Natalie Gill told Axios.

The San Diego side hustle you can do from home

Poplin says more than 2,200 laundry pros have washed 1.5 million pounds for San Diego-area customers.

Business

Some San Diegans are turning laundry into a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="side hustle" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2024/04/17/virginias-gig-workers-statistics" data-vars-content-id="58d60a8f-a9fc-44fa-8899-133e7451c3e9" data-vars-headline="The San Diego side hustle you can do from home" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2024/04/17/virginias-gig-workers-statistics" target="_self">side hustle</a> to help bring in extra cash.Why it matters: Unlike food delivery or other gig jobs, laundry service <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Poplin" data-vars-click-url="https://poplin.co/" data-vars-content-id="58d60a8f-a9fc-44fa-8899-133e7451c3e9" data-vars-headline="The San Diego side hustle you can do from home" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://poplin.co/" target="_blank">Poplin</a> can be done largely from home, making it an option for parents and others in need of flexible work.

Bitcoin is funding an 1800s ship replica in San Diego

About 25 workers are recreating the Pilgrim as a 149-foot floating classroom in Mission Bay.

An anonymous donor has found an unusual use for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bitcoin" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/21/bitcoin-s-bounce-closer" data-vars-content-id="71c7e959-f41c-426a-bc18-4e2ed93e314e" data-vars-headline="Bitcoin is funding an 1800s ship replica in San Diego" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/21/bitcoin-s-bounce-closer" target="_self">bitcoin</a>: funding the construction of an 1800s ship replica in Mission Bay.Why it matters: The two-masted brig Pilgrim III will be a floating classroom that recreates life on a historic ship.