San Diego, CA

City of San Diego's increased hotel tax takes effect

Published

10 months ago

May 1, 2025

City of San Diego's increased hotel tax takes effect

SAN DIEGO (CNS) – San Diego’s hotel tax will increase Thursday, years after it was approved by voters and as the city faces an ongoing budget crunch.

Approved by 65.24% of San Diego voters in 2020 as Measure C, the ballot measure will increase the city’s Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) by varying rates depending on the hotel’s distance from the San Diego Convention Center.

Currently, the TOT rate in San Diego is 10.5%. On Thursday, this will increase to 11.75%, 12.75% and 13.75% — the highest rate closest to the convention center. The city estimates it will generate an additional $82 million in fiscal year 2026 and $1.04 billion in additional revenue in the first 10 years.

The tax applies to anyone who stays in a property for less than 30 days, so hotels, motels, recreational vehicle parks and bed and breakfasts are all included.

KGTV

For the first five years, 59% of the money generated will go towards the convention center’s expansion project and other support. The remaining 41% will go towards the city’s efforts to address homelessness. Starting in year six, only 39% will be allotted to homelessness, and 10% will go towards road repairs throughout the city.

San Diego’s Office of the City Treasurer sent letters last month to lodging operators, property management companies, and online hosting platforms notifying them of the TOT rate increase.

While the increase was approved five years ago, multiple legal challenges delayed its implementation. Initially, it appeared as if Measure C had failed, because it needed two-thirds of voters to approve it and fell just one percentage point short.

In 2021, the San Diego City Council voted 6-3 to change the amount needed to pass to a simple majority, claiming the state constitution overrules the city-written ballot material. According to the California constitution, tax hikes can be approved with a simple majority.

“Voters should be able to rely on ballot materials,” then-Council President Pro Tem Stephen Whitburn said at the time. “But the constitutional right is more fundamental. We need to go with the state constitution and 65% of voters and say it was approved.”

The three dissenters claimed approving the ballot measure set a bad precedent and sent a disheartening message to voters who may already be distrustful of government.

“The will of the voters must be maintained,” said then-Councilwoman Monica Montgomery Steppe, who argued the ballot language was clear. “This can breed more cynicism during a time when faith in the government is at an all- time low.”

Mayor Todd Gloria, a major proponent of Measure C, applauded the council’s vote.

“Today’s affirmative vote by the City Council to validate Measure C is a necessary step to finally put to bed the long-awaited and much-discussed expansion of our Convention Center in addition to addressing two of our city’s most significant challenges: combating homelessness and getting San Diegans back to work,” he said. “The people of San Diego asked us to take up this measure and an overwhelming majority voted to support it. It’s time we implement the will of the voters.”

Despite the challenges, a San Diego Superior Court judge ruled last year that a simple majority was sufficient, allowing the city to move forward with the tax increase.

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San Diego, CA

The Streamline: Record heat expected to broil San Diego County

Published

2 hours ago

March 12, 2026

Press Room

The Streamline: Record heat expected to broil San Diego County

Here is what you need to know in the March 12, 2026, Streamline newsletter:

A heat wave is moving into San Diego County, with the potential to deliver record-breaking temperatures. Meteorologist Megan Parry’s microclimate forecasts will help you prepare for a sweltering Thursday.

Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies across California are on heightened alert over concerns about a possible Iranian drone attack against the West Coast.

In consumer news, after the Supreme Court struck down most of President Trump’s tariffs, many businesses are questioning if — and when — refunds will arrive. Ryan Hill offers a local business perspective on the potential tariff reimbursements.

THE STREAMLINE

WATCH — ABC 10News brings you The Streamline for Thursday, March 12 — everything you need to know in under 10 minutes:

The Streamline: Thursday, March 12

TOP STORY

Starting today, the San Diego area will get a preview of summer as an unseasonable hot spell descends on the region, forecasters advised.

A strengthening high-pressure atmospheric system combined with winds out of the east will bring widespread record heat toward the end of the workweek. High temperatures will be 20 to 25 degrees above average west of the mountains on Thursday and Friday, according to the National Weather Service.

Maximum thermometer readings on those two days are likely to reach the low to mid-80s near the coast and the 90s across the inland valleys, tying or breaking records for those dates, the NWS reported. The East County highlands and desert locales will get less dramatic warming, up to about five degrees, meteorologists said.

LATEST WEATHER ALERTS FOR SAN DIEGO COUNTY

An NWS heat advisory for coastal and valley communities will be in effect from 10 a.m. Thursday to 8 p.m. Friday. The weekend will be less toasty but still unusually warm for this time of year, according to the weather service.

Next week, even hotter conditions are expected to arrive, bringing all- time record temperatures for March in some locations, forecasters reported.

Authorities advise the public to prevent heat-related health problems over the period by drinking plenty of fluids, staying out of the sun, limiting strenuous activities to early morning or evening, taking refuge in air- conditioned spaces if possible and checking in on potentially at-risk friends, relatives and neighbors.

Story by City News Service

MICROCLIMATE FORECASTS

Coasts

Inland

Mountains

Deserts

BREAKING OVERNIGHT

The FBI is warning California law enforcement about a potential Iranian drone attack targeting the West Coast.

ABC News reported the FBI alerted police departments across the state in recent days that Iran – in retaliation for U.S. strikes – could attempt a surprise drone attack launched from a vessel off the coast.

As of now, federal officials said there is no specific or credible threat.

Gov. Gavin Newsom said Wednesday at a news conference that he’s aware of the apparent threat of Iranian drone strikes on California. He said when the war started, he activated the state emergency operations center.

“Drone issues have always been top of mind,” Newsom said.

“As it relates to drone strikes, we have been aware of that information,” he said. “We have been working collaboratively through the (operations center), which we established right after the war began — the State Operations Center. Working with the Office of Emergency Services, but also working locally to make sure we transmit any information that we have received.”

In a social media post, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria said, “The City is aware of reporting indicating Iran allegedly explored using drones for potential attacks in California. There are no known threats to San Diego. SDPD is coordinating closely with regional, state, and federal partners, and we are prepared to respond to any emergency.”

WATCH — Reporter Karina Vargas spoke to a former Homeland Security official about the alert’s intentions:

Federal authorities warn of potential Iranian drone attack on California coast

CONSUMER

President Trump’s tariffs led to price increases across the board, impacting many businesses and their bottom line.

But there may be some relief on the way after the Supreme Court in February shot down most of the president’s tariffs.

WATCH — Reporter Ryan Hill explains how, when, and if it’s likely consumers get some of the money back:

When and who should expect to see potential tariff refunds

WE FOLLOW THROUGH

An arrest connected to a shooting on Palomar Mountain is bringing a sense of closure for the victim.

Back in October, ABC 10News interviewed a man who said he was ambushed while sitting in his car. According to the victim, the attacker asked if he was Mexican before opening fire.

WATCH — After a recent similar incident resulted in an arrest, reporter Michael Chen follows through with the victim to hear his reaction:

Arrest in Palomar Mountain shootings

Thanks for waking up with us! If you have a story you want ABC 10News to follow through on, fill out the form below:

We Follow Through

Want us to continue to follow through on a story? Let us know.

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San Diego, CA

San Diego police chief lays out separation between SDPD and ICE

Published

14 hours ago

March 11, 2026

Press Room

San Diego police chief lays out separation between SDPD and ICE

The Rotary Club of La Jolla hosted San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl at its March 10 meeting as he spoke about his team’s role in the community, pointing out that it does not include enforcement of federal immigration laws.

Meanwhile, the club is continuing its contributions to a fire station fundraising project.

Here’s a breakdown of the latest Rotary happenings.

Chief explains SDPD and ICE dynamic

Wahl discussed his department’s priorities and attempted to clarify the differences between its operations and those of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Wahl, who led SDPD’s Northern Division, which includes La Jolla, as a captain in 2021-22 and took over as chief in 2024 following the retirement of former chief David Nisleit, said he has three main goals for the department: Build trust, develop leaders and be efficient and effective with the resources allotted. Its overarching job, he added, is to provide stability and structure “when things are out of control and there’s chaos.”

Several questions from people at the meeting were directed toward the Police Department’s role — or lack thereof — in ICE operations.

San Diego police do not enforce federal immigration laws and are subject to state regulations. California Senate Bill 54 “prohibits SDPD officers from investigating, detaining or arresting people based solely on their immigration status,” according to the city of San Diego.

SDPD officers are not allowed to ask about immigration status, participate in immigration enforcement or assist with immigration arrests. They are responsible for answering calls for emergency help and providing information as available to elected officials about the details and circumstances of calls.

Wahl described the department’s role as “apolitical,” though he added it’s an increasingly fine line to walk.

“Obviously this is a very polarizing issue with many different views,” Wahl said. “I’m sorry the way this is impacting families and folks that have been in this country for many, many years. I wish there was something I could do to change that. But I am very cautious to make sure I’m not in my role creating or making this … Police Department a pawn in a political battle.”

“They [ICE] have their areas of responsibility, we have our areas of responsibility,” Wahl said. “Unfortunately, right now during this tough time, we all get painted with the same broad brush.”

Wahl told the La Jolla Light after the meeting that it’s unsurprising that immigration enforcement is a topic of local interest given San Diego’s proximity to the U.S./Mexico border.

“It’s a tough issue, and it’s really tough to be succinct and to the point [and] have people understand all the different layers,” he said. “I understand people want us to do something. And I want to be able to do something. But in many respects, there’s not much we can do.”

Wahl said he was unaware of any ICE-related calls SDPD may have received in La Jolla, though areas such as Linda Vista, South Park and Mission Valley have been affected.

Fire Station 16 fundraising

An ongoing effort to renovate San Diego Fire Station 16 on Mount Soledad in La Jolla continues to gain steam and is now about $45,000 from its fundraising target, Rotarian Cindy Goodman told the Light.

Visitors and firefighters gather at a Nov. 12 open house at La Jolla’s Fire Station 16 that raised $20,000 toward the station’s renovation. (Provided by Wendy Moore)

The city approved a Phase 1 revitalization plan shepherded by the La Jolla Sunrise Rotary Club to replace walls and doors in the station’s sleeping areas, along with other improvements.

The San Diego Fire-Rescue Foundation and the Rotary Club of La Jolla have teamed with Sunrise Rotary in an agreement that if the Rotarians come up with the money and materials for the project, the city will provide the labor.

The Fire-Rescue Department says Fire Station 16 was built in 1982 and hasn’t had any major renovations since, instead receiving small upgrades. Renovating the station will enable firefighters to have better sleep, privacy and living standards, project organizers say.

The overall funding target is $175,000. But with more than $130,000 collected so far, the clubs should be able to cover construction and temporary housing costs, Goodman said. Now they are awaiting city guidance on temporary trailers that meet requirements.

“The community has been wonderful about supporting the project to provide decent housing for our firefighters, and all those involved are very grateful,” Goodman said.

Kiwanis and Rotary joint meeting to feature S.D. council president

Less than a month after he held a town hall meeting at the La Jolla Recreation Center, San Diego City Council President Joe LaCava, whose District 1 includes La Jolla, is scheduled to deliver a city update at a Rotary Club meeting later this month.

The meeting, a joint effort including the Kiwanis Club of La Jolla, will begin at noon Tuesday, March 24, at the La Valencia Hotel, 1132 Prospect St.

Hot topics at LaCava’s March 4 town hall included area speed limits, city budget issues and continuing infrastructure projects. ♦

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San Diego, CA

Padres roster review: Miguel Andujar

Published

1 day ago

March 11, 2026

Press Room

Padres roster review: Miguel Andujar – San Diego Union-Tribune

MIGUEL ANDUJAR

Position(s): Third base, left field, first base
Bats / Throws: Right / Right
2026 opening day age: 31
Height / Weight: 6-foot / 211 pounds
How acquired: Signed as a free agent in February 2026
Contract status: Will make $1.5 million in 2026, with the opportunity to earn another $2 million-plus in performance bonuses; his $4 million guarantee includes a $2.5 million buyout against an $8 million mutual option for 2027.
fWAR in 2025: 1.1
Key 2025 stats: .318 AVG, .352 OBP, .470 SLG, 10 HRs, 44 RBIs, 36 runs, 17 walks, 49 strikeouts, 1 steal (94 games, 341 plate appearances)

STAT TO NOTE

.986 — Andujar’s OPS against left-handed pitching in 2025, the second-highest mark of his career and well above his career .807 OPS against southpaws. Andujar had been below .600 in 2021 and 2022 before jumping to .871 in 2023 and a career-high .995 in 2024.

Up — Signed for $700,000 out of the Dominican Republic as a 16-year-old in the international amateur market, Andujar needed two years to get out of the Yankees’ rookie-ball affiliate in the Gulf Coast League and finally cracked top-100 lists ahead of the 2018 season — No. 59 at Baseball America and No. 65 at MLB.com — after reaching Triple-A following a 16-homer season (.850 OPS). Andujar even made his MLB debut as a 22-year-old in 2017 and looked like he’d be a big part of the Yankees’ future after pairing 27 homers and 92 RBIs with an .855 OPS in finishing second to Shohei Ohtani in AL Rookie of the Year voting in 2018. But a right shoulder labrum tear derailed Andujar in 2019 and Andujar was never able to grab a starting job again in New York. The Pirates claimed him late in 2022 and then the Athletics claimed him after the 2023 season. By then, he’d developed into a platoon player with defensive limitations. Andujar had a .697 OPS in 75 games in his first year with the Athletics and a .765 OPS in 60 games last year when, after missing time with a right oblique strain, he was shipped to the Reds for a minor league pitcher. Andujar went on to hit .359/.400/.544 with four homers and 17 RBIs in 34 games to help the Reds lock up a wild-card spot. He was 0-for-4 with a walk and a strikeout in the NL Wild Card Series sweep at the hands of the Dodgers.

Miguel Andujar #41 of the San Diego Padres participates in drills during spring training workouts at the Peoria Sports Complex on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026 in Peoria, Ariz.(Meg McLaughlin / The San Diego Union-Tribune)

2026 OUTLOOK

The need for right-handed balance in the lineup was painfully obvious in the Padres’ NL Wild Card Series loss to the Cubs, so Andujar became a target after 1B/OF Ryan O’Hearn walked as a free agent. Expect Andujar to get at-bats against lefties as either a DH, first base, third base or left field — the spots he’s been playing in spring training.