Daily Business Report: March 10, 2026
Developers are looking to build a ‘Walmart Depot’ in the heart of OB
by Tessa Balc | Times of San Diego
There could soon be a Walmart in Ocean Beach.
But if all goes to plan, not just anyone would be allowed to walk inside.
Instead, the idea — which city staff has already reviewed and said does not run afoul of any development restrictions — is for a “Walmart Depot,” a location for delivery drivers to pick up products to distribute nearby, but where no one else could walk in to buy anything.
A well-known developer in the beach neighborhoods is considering the project at the old Rite Aid location on Niagara Avenue. It is by no means a done deal, and the developer, who bought the property in January, is also considering a housing development.
California’s next insurance commissioner will have ‘brutal’ balancing act
by Levi Sumagaysay | CalMatters
In November, Californians will vote for “the second-hardest job in the state behind the governor.”
That’s according to someone who has held the job twice: John Garamendi, who was the state’s first elected insurance commissioner in the 1990s and served again in the early 2000s. Garamendi, now a U.S. congressman, said the commissioner job is “complex, hard, detailed work.”
“There is no other task in any office in the state of California, except the governor, that has such significant power and the necessity to use the power to regulate the industry,” Garamendi said.
Issa retires, shaking up political map while endorsing Desmond in his shift to 48th District
By Jennifer Vigil | Times of San Diego
County Supervisor Jim Desmond entered the race for the 48th Congressional DistrictFriday, while Rep. Darrell Issa announced his retirement, exiting one of the country’s most-watched races.
Speculation swirled Friday over Issa’s status – in or out – as the incumbent in the race for the seat, which was redrawn due to Proposition 50. Then Issa, a long-time congressman, endorsed Desmond Friday evening in a statement issued by the supervisor’s campaign.
“I’m announcing my enthusiastic endorsement of Supervisor Jim Desmond for Congress — to represent California’s new 48th district,” Issa said while praising Desmond’s “20-year record of public service.
