Daily Business Report: July 1, 2026
Legislative Democrats’ inaction means Californians will pay a higher gas tax starting July 1st
By Tony Strickland | California State Senator
Since the beginning of this legislative session, Senator Tony Strickland (R-Huntington Beach) has been leading efforts to address California’s high gas prices, as drivers in the state pay the highest gas tax in the nation. The state’s gas tax is set to increase again on July 1.
“This gas tax increase is automatic, but it could have been avoided. For months, we knew it was coming because it is required by law. However, Governor Newsom and legislative Democrats failed to act, meaning families will have to pay more at the pump starting July 1.
“What’s even more frustrating is that I have given my Democratic colleagues multiple opportunities to join me in suspending the gas tax, yet they have failed to take meaningful action to provide relief for California drivers.”
California’s gas tax is set to increase by 2 cents per gallon on July 1. The new rate will be 63.4 cents per gallon, the highest gas tax in the nation. When Senate Bill 1 was enacted in 2017, the gas tax stood at 29.7 cents per gallon. Nearly a decade later, it has more than doubled. Senator Strickland discussed the increase with Eytan Wallace on Inside California Politics, a weekly public affairs show. Click HERE to watch the interview.
Lee Kaminetz Appointed General Counsel of San Diego County Regional Airport Authority
By SAN Media Resources
The Board of Directors of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority (Airport Authority) has appointed Lee Kaminetz as General Counsel for the Airport Authority and San Diego International Airport (SAN), effective July 1, 2026. He succeeds Amy Gonzalez who retires after a distinguished 23 years with the organization.
“We are extremely grateful for Amy Gonzalez’ exceptional service and leadership over the years,” said Lydia Ball, Chair of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority Board. “Amy has provided steadfast legal counsel during some of the largest and most impactful developments in the airport’s history. We wish her happiness and success in her retirement, and we are excited to continue the great work with Lee Kaminetz at the helm of our legal team.”
Kaminetz brings nearly 30 years of legal experience to the role, including more than 20 years representing the Airport Authority in several legal positions, including Assistant General Counsel for more than a decade. As General Counsel, he will serve as the Authority’s chief legal advisor, providing counsel to the Board of Directors, President and CEO, Auditor, and staff on matters critical to the planning, operation, development, and management of San Diego International Airport.
by SDCCU
San Diego County Credit Union® (SDCCU®), one of Southern California’s largest locally-owned financial institutions, is pleased to announce that Teresa Campbell, SDCCU president and CEO, received the 2026 David Shields Chairman’s Award. This award, presented by The San Diego Business Chamber, honors individuals who demonstrate exceptional dedication, workplace excellence, and social responsibility within the San Diego business community.
Under Campbell’s leadership, SDCCU’s customer base has more than doubled, reaching over 413,000 members. She is an effective and compassionate leader with a keen strategic vision that has helped catapult the credit union into excellence. Campbell’s focus on improving lives by providing breakthrough banking products, services, education, and extensive community support has tremendously impacted the San Diego region.
“I am honored to have been selected for the David Shields Chairman’s Award,” said Campbell. “This recognition reinforces the importance of SDCCU’s mission to improve the financial well-being of our members and support the communities we serve.”
