Daily Business Report: March 9, 2026
Opinion: Turmoil in California Democratic Party threatens long-term reforms
by Dan Walters | CalMatters
Turmoil within the California Democratic Party over this year’s election for governor and fallout from the party’s naked grab of congressional seats could have long-term effects, undoing two important political reforms — the top-two primary system and redistricting by an independent commission.
The turmoil is over having nine Democratic candidates for governor, creating the possibility that two Republicans could finish one-two in the June 2 primary, thus resulting in a GOP governor being elected in November.
A recent Public Policy Institute of California poll of voters found that Republicans Steve Hilton (14%) and Chad Bianco (12%) are 1st and 3rd in support, with Katie Porter (13%) the leading Democrat, followed by Eric Swalwell (11%) and Tom Steyer (10%). The other six Democrats are all 5% or less.
Nonprofit Deploying Overdose Reversal Drug for County Didn’t Pay Subcontractors, Staff for Months
by Lisa Halverstadt | Voice of San Diego
Months before the Harm Reduction Coalition of San Diego’s former chief operating officer faced criminal misappropriation charges, the nonprofit stopped paying staff and its contract partners.
County officials knew of the unpaid bills but repeatedly directed those looking to be paid to the Harm Reduction Coalition.
Three nonprofits that partnered with the Harm Reduction Coalition on its county contract to deploy overdose reversal drug naloxone report that they are collectively owed nearly $200,000 in county money that the coalition was supposed to distribute to them.
Bailey, supporters unveil initiative to overturn Balboa Park paid parking
By Tessa Balc | Times of San Diego
The fight over paid parking in Balboa Park isn’t over yet.
A group led by former Coronado Mayor and current District 2 city council candidate Richard Bailey filed paperwork Friday to begin collecting signatures to repeal and prohibit paid parking in the park.
The petition, published in the San Diego Daily Transcript Friday, means they can start the formal signature-gathering process, either to force the council to consider overturning the policy or to put the issue before voters on an upcoming ballot.
