Daily Business Report: February 12, 2026
Palomar Health President & CEO Diane Hansen Receives Four-Year Contract Extension
By Palomar Health
The Palomar Health Board of Directors has officially approved a four-year contract extension for President & CEO Diane Hansen. This decision follows Hansen’s voluntary salary reduction, demonstrating exemplary leadership and a strong commitment to Palomar Health during a critical period for the organization.
With more than two decades of healthcare leadership experience, Hansen has been at the forefront of advancing Palomar Health as California’s largest public healthcare district. Under her guidance, Palomar Health has implemented strategic initiatives that continue to strengthen the organization, including the opening of the innovative Palomar Health Student Wellness Center at the University of San Diego.
“I’m grateful to the board of directors for its confidence and support, and I’m proud to continue leading Palomar Health during this important period of transformation,” said Hansen. “Our focus remains on providing our community with world-class healthcare, ensuring financial stability, strengthening our partnership with UC San Diego Health and honoring the culture and values that define Palomar Health. This extension allows us to maintain continuity in leadership while remaining disciplined and responsible as we work toward a stronger, more sustainable future for California’s largest healthcare district.”
Under Hansen’s stewardship, Palomar Health has expanded initiatives addressing the growing demand for mental health services, advanced treatment options and proactive health education programs. Her dedication to fostering a culture of excellence has further strengthened Palomar Health’s reputation as a trusted healthcare provider and a key contributor to the region’s long-term health needs.
During her tenure, Hansen has led a comprehensive vision guided by Palomar Health’s mission to “heal, comfort and promote health in the communities it serves.” Her leadership has been instrumental in earning the organization recognition as one of Newsweek’s World’s Best Hospitals for seven consecutive years, while positioning Palomar Health as a leader in compassionate care, clinical innovation and community outreach.
With Hansen’s contract extension, Palomar Health is well positioned to continue advancing access, innovation and high-quality medical care throughout the region. The board’s decision reflects confidence in Hansen’s proven leadership and a shared commitment to Palomar Health’s continued success as a resilient and forward-thinking healthcare system.
California’s once soaring population has hit a plateau. So will its national political clout
By Dan Walters | CalMatters
The federal Census Bureau annually announces new population numbers for the country and its 50 states based on calculations of how births, deaths and migration have changed the numbers from July 1 to June 30 of the previous year.
The state Department of Finance annually announces new California population numbers, based on its calculations of those same demographic factors during the same 12-month period.
The numbers often differ, and in past years differentials of a million persons or more have emerged from the two agencies’ California calculations.
In December, the state agency declared that as of last July, California’s population was 39.529 million, a gain of 19,200 since 2024. Although arithmetically insignificant, the tiny gain was hailed by officialdom and media as proof that California is no longer losing people.
New jobs report blew past expectations — and it’s putting doomers to shame
By Post Editorial Board | NY Post
Defying doomcasters who predicted that AI plus tariffs mean disaster for American workers, the January employment news blew past expectations, with 130,000 new jobs.
Revised 2025 data show that the nation added only 81,000 jobs all last year, as the economy struggled to escape the Biden-era doldrums — so 2026’s solid start suggests President Donald Trump’s pro-growth policies are finally kicking in.
Plus, the net gains come despite a decline of 42,000 government jobs, including 34,000 from the federal workforce: A shrinking public sector and growing private sector is exactly the right path for America.
