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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°.

How San Diego residents can check for trash fee overcharges

Compare the city's Waste Portal with your property tax bill to see if you were charged too much.

Real Estate

Potentially thousands 0f San Diego residents were <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="overcharged" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2026/09/22/san-diego-is-overcharging-thousands-of-people-for-trash-pickup-some-by-1000-or-more/" data-vars-content-id="e605e0be-87ad-45fb-a3ce-087530711bba" data-vars-headline="How San Diego residents can check for trash fee overcharges" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2026/09/22/san-diego-is-overcharging-thousands-of-people-for-trash-pickup-some-by-1000-or-more/" target="_blank">overcharged</a> for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="trash pickup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/06/05/san-diego-trash-pickup-fees-balboa-park-paid-parking-settlement" data-vars-content-id="e605e0be-87ad-45fb-a3ce-087530711bba" data-vars-headline="How San Diego residents can check for trash fee overcharges" 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/san-diego-trash-pickup-fees-balboa-park-paid-parking-settlement" target="_self">trash pickup</a> on their most recent property tax bill, according to the city.The big picture: The city is still figuring out the scope of the problem and says everyone overcharged will get refunds. <ul><li>In the meantime, you can check yourself.</li></ul>

San Diego Humane Society dog crowding hits record high

Rising vet costs, housing rules and more surrenders are keeping kennels packed across San Diego.

Animal shelters in San Diego are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="overflowing with dogs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/08/06/linda-vista-eviction-dog-intake-adopt-foster" data-vars-content-id="4febcb02-ed30-4596-a09a-5c25a087fe28" data-vars-headline="San Diego Humane Society dog crowding hits record high" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/08/06/linda-vista-eviction-dog-intake-adopt-foster" target="_self">overflowing with dogs</a>.The big picture: A combination of unspayed and unneutered dogs bought during COVID, rising veterinary costs and a challenging economy means more dogs are going in at the San Diego Humane Society than are coming out via adoption.

Bill could put more San Diego condos on the market

Builders say the risk of lawsuits limits housing construction, while consumer advocates warn of weaker protections.

It could become easier to build condos and townhomes for people to buy instead of rent under a bill making its way through the California Senate.Why it matters: The city has a plan to build denser housing like condos that people can <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="actually (sort of) afford" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/08/17/san-diego-housing-market-condos-townhomes-first-time-buyers-prices" data-vars-content-id="531adc32-e7eb-4109-90d8-4ec007444e21" data-vars-headline="Bill could put more San Diego condos on the market" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/08/17/san-diego-housing-market-condos-townhomes-first-time-buyers-prices" target="_self">actually (sort of) afford</a>, but building industry experts say the threat of lawsuits over repairs hampers the effort.

San Diego apartments shrinking as rents keep rising

New San Diego apartments lost 84 square feet on average over a decade as rents rose roughly 70%.

New apartments in San Diego are getting smaller, according to a new survey from RentCafe.Why it matters: They might be smaller, but they aren&#x27;t cheaper.

San Diego condo listings rise as single family listings shrink

Attached-home sales jumped 13% as buyers sought options below the $1.1 million detached-home median.

While <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new home listings" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/07/27/la-homebuyers-moving-to-san-diego-housing-market-home-prices-equity-redfin-zillow" data-vars-content-id="a83d5760-c2d0-4c92-9cf8-f005986d7870" data-vars-headline="San Diego condo listings rise as single family listings shrink" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/07/27/la-homebuyers-moving-to-san-diego-housing-market-home-prices-equity-redfin-zillow" target="_self">new home listings</a> continue to fall in San Diego, one type of home is seeing a slight bump: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="condos and townhomes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/04/02/san-diego-families-leaving-housing-costs-clairemont-townhomes" data-vars-content-id="a83d5760-c2d0-4c92-9cf8-f005986d7870" data-vars-headline="San Diego condo listings rise as single family listings shrink" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/04/02/san-diego-families-leaving-housing-costs-clairemont-townhomes" target="_self">condos and townhomes</a>.Why it matters: The increase signals a shift in the types of homes being built and gives first-time buyers more affordable options, real estate experts told Axios.

Real estate eye candy: $11 million Solana Beach home near the ocean

The 7-bedroom property near Cedros has ocean views, a guesthouse, a 40-foot pool and a sauna.

How about some real estate eye candy down by the beach?The big picture: This 3-story, 7-bedroom, 10-bathroom home in Solana Beach could be yours if you have $11 million lying around.

You can buy Ciara and Russell Wilson's house for $45M

The 30,000-square-foot estate has a recording studio, football field and candy shop on the grounds.

Talk about a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bargain" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/06/26/la-jolla-real-estate-eye-candy-luxury-home-candlelight-drive" data-vars-content-id="7417b2ae-4c2e-4842-80de-cb6c0cd414b0" data-vars-headline="You can buy Ciara and Russell Wilson&#x27;s house for $45M" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/06/26/la-jolla-real-estate-eye-candy-luxury-home-candlelight-drive" target="_self">bargain</a>. The big picture: NFL quarterback Russell Wilson and singer Ciara have re-listed their <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rancho Santa Fe mansion" data-vars-click-url="https://thebeverlyhillsestates.com/listing/6853-rancho-valencia-road/" data-vars-content-id="7417b2ae-4c2e-4842-80de-cb6c0cd414b0" data-vars-headline="You can buy Ciara and Russell Wilson&#x27;s house for $45M" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://thebeverlyhillsestates.com/listing/6853-rancho-valencia-road/" target="_blank">Rancho Santa Fe mansion</a> for $45 million, down from the original $55 million asking price.

How LA buyers are propping up San Diego's housing market

Los Angeles buyers are bringing bigger budgets to San Diego, helping keep home prices elevated.

The answer to who can possibly afford to buy a home in San Diego might be outsiders — specifically, people from Los Angeles.Why it matters: Angelinos, with their higher incomes and larger equities, are buying up homes in San Diego, contributing to local high prices, according to data from Redfin and Zillow and real estate experts.

How the mobile home law change will impact San Diego

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

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>

Mission Hills' famous topiary garden seeks next steward

The Mission Hills home of "Edna Scissorhands" is for sale, with hopes that the whimsical garden lives on.

Here&#x27;s some <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="real estate eye candy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/06/26/la-jolla-real-estate-eye-candy-luxury-home-candlelight-drive" data-vars-content-id="17b494c1-5e0a-48cf-8d1c-4b9ddc0edb16" data-vars-headline="Mission Hills&#x27; famous topiary garden seeks next steward" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/06/26/la-jolla-real-estate-eye-candy-luxury-home-candlelight-drive" target="_self">real estate eye candy</a> that you don&#x27;t see every day.The big picture: Harper&#x27;s Topiary Garden in Mission Hills has a famous topiary garden with more than 50 plant sculptures designed by a local resident known as &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Edna Scissorhands" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cbs8.com/article/news/local/san-diego-woman-designs-unique-home-garden/509-22c7f2c5-d55d-478d-8390-3ff13e72587a" data-vars-content-id="17b494c1-5e0a-48cf-8d1c-4b9ddc0edb16" data-vars-headline="Mission Hills&#x27; famous topiary garden seeks next steward" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cbs8.com/article/news/local/san-diego-woman-designs-unique-home-garden/509-22c7f2c5-d55d-478d-8390-3ff13e72587a" target="_blank">Edna Scissorhands</a>.&quot;<ul><li>Now it&#x27;s for sale, with the hope that the new owner will continue the tradition.</li></ul>

Bar chart shows the average size of new apartments, ranging from 1,156 square feet in Tallahassee, Fla., to Seattle at 645 square feet. The U.S. average is 910 square feet.

Real Estate 🏠

How San Diego residents can check for trash fee overcharges

San Diego Humane Society dog crowding hits record high

Bill could put more San Diego condos on the market

San Diego apartments shrinking as rents keep rising

San Diego condo listings rise as single family listings shrink