It's Election Day — today and every day through Aug. 15.

• Voting is underway in a special election that'll determine the balance of partisan power on the County Board of Supervisors and control of its $8 billion budget.

Driving the news: Voters in San Diego County's fourth district should've received ballots last week to fill the seat left vacant when Supervisor Nathan Fletcher resigned this spring.

Why it matters: Though only fourth-district residents have a say, the race will determine partisan control of the Board of Supervisors, after Fletcher's resignation nullified a Democratic majority won in 2020. Republicans controlled the county for decades before.

• The county is San Diego's largest local government, with a budget $3 billion larger than the city's.

Be smart: Check your district with this county registrar tool.

• Four candidates are running. Unless one receives over 50% of the vote, the top two move to a November general election.
• You must register by July 31 to vote by mail. After that, you can still register at a vote center and cast a provisional ballot.
• If they're postmarked by Aug. 15, mail ballots can arrive up to seven days later and still be counted.
• Registered residents can also put their ballot in one of 29 drop boxes across the district.
• Beginning Aug. 5, D4 residents can vote at seven vote centers. On Aug. 14, the county will open seven more.

Meet the candidates and check back tomorrow for Q&As

When word came earlier this month of the Union-Tribune's sale to Alden Global Capital, attention quickly turned to major staffing reductions at the region's paper of record.

• Within days, those expectations became reality, as high-profile reporters announced they'd accepted buyouts.

Between the lines: The largest news operation in town is losing veteran reporters, editors and photographers. It's going to be a different paper.

• Homelessness, the border, the environment, public safety and politics are among the beats losing expertise and experience.

What they're saying: Departing staffers bid farewell, while urging readers to continue supporting their colleagues who stay put.

• Jeff Light, editor-in-chief and publisher, in an email to the newsroom: "The next chapter for the U-T, like the last one, will rest in the hands of many of the colleagues I now say goodbye to – wonderful people who are dedicated to truth-telling and community service."
• Sam Hodgson, director of photography and video: "Thank you to everyone (at the U-T) who ever gave me a scrap of trust along the way, especially my teammates. What we built was a miracle. I'll forever be inspired by you."
• Greg Moran, investigative reporter with over 30 years at the paper: "Support this outstanding journo right here and her colleagues," he wrote, of Lyndsay Winkley. "They are still doing the work that matters so much."

More here

🏠 City officials started issuing permits in May to Airbnb hosts who owned multiple properties, failing to spot a violation of new city regulations. (NBC7)

💡 SDG&E charges some of the highest electricity rates in the nation, but the city could save ratepayers up to 14% over a decade if it forms a municipal utility, per a new study. (KPBS)

🏫 A new audit found San Diego school employees were paid thousands of absence and work hours without documentation to justify them — a symptom of the district's "inefficient" timekeeping setup. (Union-Tribune)

Hey, it's Kate. I'd never ordered sherry before — in a cocktail or its own glass ... 'til recently.

• Admittedly, I thought of it as old-timey or something fancy families brought out around the holidays.
• Plus, I've rarely noticed the Spanish wine out and about.
• Yes, but: Now, I will.

What happened: I got drinks at Nolita Hall in Little Italy and can't stop thinking about the "Sherrly Legal" cocktail.

What's in it: Sanchez Romate Cream Sherry, Don Jose 18 year Oloroso, Gran Classico Lemon, pink peppercorn, strawberry and basil.

• Each sip was refreshingly sweet, but the basil and pink peppercorn brought a savory, herbaceous flavor that cut through the fruitiness.

Where to find it: Nolita Hall at 2305 India St.

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Beach, bats, balls and booze — the four essential elements of Over the Line, a uniquely San Diego sport.

What's happening: The 2023 Over the Line World Championship, sponsored by the Old Mission Beach Athletic Club, drew roughly 15,000 people to Fiesta Island over two weekends.

• More than 700 teams competed at the 70th annual beach party disguised as a tournament.

Keep reading

Before we go, we must introduce ourselves and share how excited we are to get started. We're hoping our newsletter helps you understand and navigate this city we call home — with a splash of fun, too.

👋 Andy here. I've covered San Diego since 2010, first at the San Diego Daily Transcript and then for over 10 years at Voice of San Diego. I've been lucky to build a family here, and my wife, two sons (Hi Cal and Bo!), and two dogs couldn't be happier in our Golden Hill home.

• Off the clock, you can find me running through North Park and City Heights, attending concerts or taking my kids on canyon adventures.

👋 Kate here. Before joining Axios, I was the higher-ed reporter at The News & Observer in Raleigh, North Carolina.

• I moved to San Diego exactly (and poetically) one year ago today after a cross-country drive from North Carolina. I still can't get over the daily ocean views and fiery sunsets.
• On weekends, you'll find me at the beach, out eating and drinking, or hiking with my pup!

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