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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.

Your San Diego pumpkin patch guide

From corn mazes to hayrides, these local farms offer fall fun for kids, adults and dogs this season.

Things to Do

The weather isn&#x27;t exactly autumnal, but that won&#x27;t stop us from getting our pumpkin patch on.The big picture: There are several across the county to choose from.

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>

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°.

Kearny Mesa's former Sheraton hotel gets a big makeover

The Goldfinch will open early next year with a speakeasy, a restaurant and a nine-hole golf course.

Development

The former Four Points Sheraton in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Kearny Mesa" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/02/23/labora-new-cafe-matcha-coffee-open-all-day" data-vars-content-id="e231479c-e8a2-45f9-8ad7-b8f6f08ec0c6" data-vars-headline="Kearny Mesa&#x27;s former Sheraton hotel gets a big makeover" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/02/23/labora-new-cafe-matcha-coffee-open-all-day" target="_self">Kearny Mesa</a> is getting a major upgrade.The big picture: It will become the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Goldfinch Hotel" data-vars-click-url="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.thegoldfinchhotel.com/__;!!Al82Z4c!wk1d7I28d8y9JP0BDzNOijTeXIJ6kHuOHg4zNhVcTgkBxLa4NAnuQhOvQ6bPJTOdgaCE6AUmbmcjXeIlbJzOqoeEU9g$" data-vars-content-id="e231479c-e8a2-45f9-8ad7-b8f6f08ec0c6" data-vars-headline="Kearny Mesa&#x27;s former Sheraton hotel gets a big makeover" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.thegoldfinchhotel.com/__;!!Al82Z4c!wk1d7I28d8y9JP0BDzNOijTeXIJ6kHuOHg4zNhVcTgkBxLa4NAnuQhOvQ6bPJTOdgaCE6AUmbmcjXeIlbJzOqoeEU9g$" target="_blank">Goldfinch Hotel</a>, with redesigned rooms, 20,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space, a nine-hole golf course, a speakeasy and a new restaurant.

Mapped: California's next data centers — and the power they'll need

Today's data centers can consume twice the power of their predecessors, and more powerful ones are planned.

California is expected to have about 55 large data centers by the end of 2026, and 30 more are planned for 2027 and beyond.<ul><li>Those would increase today&#x27;s 1,057 MW capacity by more than 86%, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="records" data-vars-click-url="https://cleanview.co/data-centers/us" data-vars-content-id="293d070a-7cb5-48b9-b5cf-58b9effad8e2" data-vars-headline="Mapped: California&#x27;s next data centers — and the power they&#x27;ll need" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://cleanview.co/data-centers/us" target="_blank">records</a> analyzed by market intelligence company Cleanview.</li></ul>

SDSU housing could squeeze College-Rolando Library parking

Parking disruptions once slashed the branch's circulation and foot traffic, supporters say.

Politics

A construction project to build more <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="SDSU student housing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/09/23/student-housing-rent-growth-san-diego-university" data-vars-content-id="adcceb70-1ff7-4ea1-87f3-ae4a3c25bfdf" data-vars-headline="SDSU housing could squeeze College-Rolando Library parking" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/09/23/student-housing-rent-growth-san-diego-university" target="_self">SDSU student housing</a> could make it harder to visit the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="College-Rolando Library" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sandiego.gov/public-library/locations/college-rolando-library" data-vars-content-id="adcceb70-1ff7-4ea1-87f3-ae4a3c25bfdf" data-vars-headline="SDSU housing could squeeze College-Rolando Library parking" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sandiego.gov/public-library/locations/college-rolando-library" target="_blank">College-Rolando Library</a>, according to library supporters.The big picture: The library on Montezuma Road has long shared a parking lot with a church, but that church is being turned into five stories of off-campus housing.

San Diego plan could nearly double Mid-City housing

A proposal would add taller apartments along major streets and could make room for 42,000 new homes.

Neighborhoods including <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="City Heights" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2024/04/24/cuatro-city-heights-affordable-housing" data-vars-content-id="dbaec515-bcfb-425e-a4b4-7056a64dcef1" data-vars-headline="San Diego plan could nearly double Mid-City housing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2024/04/24/cuatro-city-heights-affordable-housing" target="_self">City Heights</a>, Rolando, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Kensington-Talmadge" 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="dbaec515-bcfb-425e-a4b4-7056a64dcef1" data-vars-headline="San Diego plan could nearly double Mid-City housing" 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">Kensington-Talmadge</a> and Normal Heights could see a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="big housing boost" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/07/28/old-town-perrys-cafe-housing-midway-rising" data-vars-content-id="dbaec515-bcfb-425e-a4b4-7056a64dcef1" data-vars-headline="San Diego plan could nearly double Mid-City housing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/07/28/old-town-perrys-cafe-housing-midway-rising" target="_self">big housing boost</a> under <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a new city plan" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sandiego.gov/sites/default/files/2026-08/draft-mid-city-cpu.pdf" data-vars-content-id="dbaec515-bcfb-425e-a4b4-7056a64dcef1" data-vars-headline="San Diego plan could nearly double Mid-City housing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sandiego.gov/sites/default/files/2026-08/draft-mid-city-cpu.pdf" target="_blank">a new city plan</a>.The big picture: The proposal would allow taller apartment buildings along busier streets like El Cajon Boulevard, Fairmount Avenue, Federal Boulevard and University Avenue, with less density in surrounding neighborhoods.

San Diego studies adding housing to 7 city library sites

The city is studying whether affordable homes could be incorporated into seven library properties.

Add to the list of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="buildings that could become" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/07/28/old-town-perrys-cafe-housing-midway-rising" data-vars-content-id="a27c579d-c90c-4182-bfa3-68b85f00ca25" data-vars-headline="San Diego studies adding housing to 7 city library sites" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/07/28/old-town-perrys-cafe-housing-midway-rising" target="_self">buildings that could become</a> housing: city libraries.The big picture: San Diego is weighing building housing on 11 publicly owned sites, including seven libraries.

San Diego Topgolf plan faces environmental concerns

The Port is weighing a smaller venue or a 20-acre park as alternatives to the three-story project.

The proposed Topgolf on East Harbor Island could have serious <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="environmental impacts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/07/02/california-ceqa-environment-housing-development" data-vars-content-id="b2e0d2ed-e8fc-4599-a860-ab8c917b1a48" data-vars-headline="San Diego Topgolf plan faces environmental concerns" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/07/02/california-ceqa-environment-housing-development" target="_self">environmental impacts</a> from increased driving, light pollution and nets that could ensnare birds, according to a new report.The big picture: The golf entertainment complex is part of the Port of San Diego&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="plan to redevelop" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cbs8.com/article/news/local/port-of-san-diego-seeking-public-comment-on-harbor-island-redevelopment/509-a7fad502-b699-48ad-9e7a-7f78d5e851a9" data-vars-content-id="b2e0d2ed-e8fc-4599-a860-ab8c917b1a48" data-vars-headline="San Diego Topgolf plan faces environmental concerns" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cbs8.com/article/news/local/port-of-san-diego-seeking-public-comment-on-harbor-island-redevelopment/509-a7fad502-b699-48ad-9e7a-7f78d5e851a9" target="_blank">plan to redevelop</a> an industrial area across from the airport, but first it must go through an environmental review.

Perry's Cafe conversion will bring 223 apartments to Old Town

The former diner will become a leasing office as San Diego adds housing without a full teardown.

The project to convert <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Perry&#x27;s Cafe in Old Town" data-vars-click-url="https://builtbyzephyr.com/project/perrys-cafe/" data-vars-content-id="3d2002d5-843d-4198-9d54-f556e19b4dc3" data-vars-headline="Perry&#x27;s Cafe conversion will bring 223 apartments to Old Town" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://builtbyzephyr.com/project/perrys-cafe/" target="_blank">Perry&#x27;s Cafe in Old Town</a> into apartments is in full swing and should be done in early 2028, the developers told Axios.The big picture: This is just one example across the San Diego region of old buildings being converted into apartments to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bolster housing supply" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/06/04/san-diego-boomers-empty-nesters-family-size-homes-millennials-redfin" data-vars-content-id="3d2002d5-843d-4198-9d54-f556e19b4dc3" data-vars-headline="Perry&#x27;s Cafe conversion will bring 223 apartments to Old Town" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/06/04/san-diego-boomers-empty-nesters-family-size-homes-millennials-redfin" target="_self">bolster housing supply</a>.

How the mobile home law change will impact San Diego

Manufactured houses, or mobile homes, no longer must have a permanent chassis.

Real Estate

Housing advocates across the country are heralding <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a change to requirements for mobile home construction" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/16/housing-manufactured-congress-law" data-vars-content-id="f39c8dfe-df5c-4b5a-9485-a0b6cb1ff15b" data-vars-headline="How the mobile home law change will impact San Diego" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/16/housing-manufactured-congress-law" target="_self">a change to requirements for mobile home construction</a> that could increase housing supply, but it likely won&#x27;t help San Diego&#x27;s stubborn housing problems much.Why it matters: Manufactured houses, or mobile homes, will become cheaper to make because the new law no longer requires the homes&#x27; steel under-frame used to transport them to remain attached<ul><li>That could help bring more affordable starter houses onto the market.</li></ul>

Construction ramps up across Mission Bay

From new amenities to major overhauls, multiple projects are underway across the popular park.

Construction is everywhere around <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mission Bay" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/04/09/mission-bay-cleanup-san-diego-volunteers-trash-collected-iloveacleansd-cox-event" data-vars-content-id="3d57fc2c-5d38-4459-8000-629c8179a3e6" data-vars-headline="Construction ramps up across Mission Bay" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/04/09/mission-bay-cleanup-san-diego-volunteers-trash-collected-iloveacleansd-cox-event" target="_self">Mission Bay</a> as multiple projects and updates are in the works.Why it matters: The park is one of the city&#x27;s biggest attractions and has its own source of funds, so it&#x27;s easier to pay for upgrades, even as the city faces budget issues, according to city officials.

The push to make Chula Vista the next Hollywood

Producer Aaron Roberts says the space could grow into a major film and TV hub.

Aaron Roberts said he&#x27;s well on his way to creating a 90,000-square-foot studio space in Chula Vista that could one day also become a sound stage for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="movies and TV shows" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/23/oscar-nominees-which-movies-to-watch-streaming" data-vars-content-id="aa952300-6232-4c1f-8cdd-bd8325f176aa" data-vars-headline="The push to make Chula Vista the next Hollywood" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/23/oscar-nominees-which-movies-to-watch-streaming" target="_self">movies and TV shows</a>.Why it matters: The Chula Vista Entertainment Center would create space for photographers, podcasters and digital creatives to work, and ultimately bring movie and TV filming to Chula Vista, Roberts told Axios.

Development 🏗️

Kearny Mesa's former Sheraton hotel gets a big makeover

Mapped: California's next data centers — and the power they'll need

SDSU housing could squeeze College-Rolando Library parking

San Diego plan could nearly double Mid-City housing

San Diego studies adding housing to 7 city library sites