Daily Business Report: April 27 2026
Gloria’s arts cuts threaten more than museums — street fairs, parades and neighborhood fest are all on the line
by Drew Sitton| Times of San Diego
San Diego would eliminating its arts and culture grant programs under Mayor Todd Gloria’s proposed budget, a move saving $11.8 million amid efforts to close a $118 million deficit.
Gloria’s proposal was met with outrage.
“Other cities aren’t cutting arts to this degree,” said Bob Lehman, executive director of San Diego ART Matters. “The only budget in this country that cuts arts to this degree is the Trump budget.”
LAFCO: Dissolve the Water Authority? Not Yet.
By MacKenzie Elmer| Voice of San Diego
Getting rid of the San Diego County Water Authority might be the best way to address regional water costs and needs in the future.
That’s what the plurality of concepts studied by the San Diego Local Agency Formation Commission or LAFCO, suggest under its first audit of the county’s water wholesaler. The Water Authority fell under LAFCO’s scrutiny a few years ago after two member water districts fought to leave the agency over its high water prices.
So LAFCO decided to do what’s called a municipal service review of the Water Authority, which is basically an audit with recommendations on how to fix certain problems.
REBECCA BARTLING APPOINTED CEO OF DEL MAR FAIRGROUNDS
By Tristan Hallman | Del Mar Fairgrounds
The 22nd District Agricultural Association Board of Directors on Friday appointed Rebecca “Becky” Bartling as Chief Executive Officer of the Del Mar Fairgrounds, effective immediately.
The vote was unanimous.
“Becky Bartling is a highly respected fairgrounds executive with deep experience in operations, public service and emergency response,” said Board Chair Sam Nejabat. “She knows this organization, understands its mission, and appreciates the important role the Del Mar Fairgrounds plays in the life of our region. Her proven leadership, operational expertise and longstanding connection to this institution make her exceptionally well qualified to lead the 22nd DAA into its next chapter.
