Californians head to the polls today to vote on Proposition 50, which would allow lawmakers to redraw the state's congressional map.

Why it matters: The special election could reshape the balance of power in Congress by potentially shifting as many as five GOP-held seats into Democrat-leaning districts, including in San Diego.

Driving the news: Voters can cast their ballots in person at vote centers or put mail ballots in drop boxes throughout the county from 7am-8pm today.

• Same-day voter registration is available at the county registrar's office or vote centers.
• Fewer polling places exist for this special election, so there may be long lines.

State of play: Led by Gov. Gavin Newsom, Prop. 50 is now one of the most expensive ballot fights in state history.

• The measure, which needs a simple majority to pass, would allow the Legislature to redraw the state's congressional map for the next three election cycles — 2026, 2028 and 2030 — before returning that power to the state's independent redistricting commission.
• It's a direct response to a redistricting push sparked by President Trump, who in July urged Texas Republicans to redraw their congressional maps to gain seats.

Zoom in: California's proposed map changes would reshape San Diego's 48th district, a largely rural, conservative region represented by Republican Rep. Darrell Issa.

• Redrawn lines would strongly favor Democrats and join together rural and urban areas of East County for future elections.
• San Diego City Councilmember Marni von Wilpert is one of several candidates planning to challenge Issa if the district is redrawn.

The big picture: Polling ahead of Election Day shows that Californians appear to back Prop. 50.

What's next: The San Diego County registrar will release the first and largest batch of election results just after 8pm, when the polls close.

Plus, voters in Poway's Council District 2 will decide whether to recall city councilmember Tony Blain, who they elected a year ago.

• He's facing felony bribery charges related to vote trading.

Tell a voter

Waymo's autonomous vehicles are coming to San Diego next year.

The big picture: The company started testing its driverless cars, but with drivers, in January. Now, Waymo cars will soon be driving themselves down San Diego streets.

Catch up quick: Waymo chose San Diego for its similarity to cities that already have driverless cars, company spokesperson Sandy Karp told Axios earlier this year.

• That includes how cars, cyclists and pedestrians interact.
• This year's testing included driving cars in Bankers Hill, Mission Hills, downtown, Sherman Heights, and on I-5 and SR 163.

What we're watching: Waymo did not give a specific launch date beyond sometime in 2026.

• The company will begin introducing the all-electric Zeekr RTs to San Diego's streets this week for further studies, Karp told Axios yesterday.

💭 Claire's thought bubble: I rode in a Waymo in Phoenix and it was one of the most exciting/scariest things I've done in awhile. To see a wheel turning on its own is wild.

• The car successfully made a tight left turn as oncoming traffic approached and I may or may not have screamed a little.

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⚡️ The city is making progress on installing EV charging stations in public parking lots at beaches, library branches and recreation centers. But, they likely won't be built until next year. (Union-Tribune)

👩🏼‍⚖️ A judge dismissed a lawsuit yesterday filed by Rep. Darrell Issa seeking to block the implementation of California's new congressional maps if Prop. 50 passes. (City News Service)

🛒 The Trump administration plans to restart SNAP benefits, but only cover about half of what people normally get and the payments could be delayed for months. (Axios)

• Nearly 400,000 people in San Diego County receive those CalFresh benefits.

💸 Labor unions are working on getting a 1-cent city sales tax on next November's ballot for wildfire prevention and infrastructure and clean water pipe repairs. (Voice of San Diego)

Most of Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve will be closed through February for a construction project.

The big picture: The park is upgrading water, sewer, electrical and telecommunication lines and restrooms, and adding new parking stalls and accessible pathways.

• During construction, the park's road, upper lots and most trails will be closed.
• South Beach and North Beach parking lots will stay open, plus Torrey Pines State Beach.

Yes, but: There are other places to hike along the coast.

• Scripps Coastal Meander Trail, which goes along UC San Diego's bluffs to Torrey Pines State Beach or Black's Beach
• Sunset Cliffs in Ocean Beach
• Saigon Trail just south of Torrey Pines
• Anne's Canyon Trail in Solana Beach

Tell a hiker

It's tiiiiiiiime for the holiday season, and this year, the Golden Girls are coming to town.

The latest: A new holiday pop-up, "The Golden Girls" Christmas Experience, is giving fans a chance to celebrate like Dorothy, Rose, Blanche and Sophia.

Zoom in: Bayside Kitchen and Bar in Little Italy will turn into the show's iconic kitchen, with spaces to hang out on the Lanai, play shuffleboard and take pictures in front of a banana leaf print wall.

• Sip on cocktails like the Shady Pines Spritz, Blanche's Hot Buttered Rum and Sophia's Spiked Eggnog.
• You can also indulge in a character-inspired cheesecake flight, St. Olaf Christmas cookies, fruitcake and other treats.

Tickets ($22) for reservations go on sale today. The pop-up runs Nov. 19-Jan. 11, 2026.