Daily Business Report: March 11, 2026
Assemblymember Takes Over Education Committee
by Nadia Lathan | Voice of San Diego
This week, Assemblymember Darshana Patel started her new role as chair of the Assembly Education Committee. It’s a powerful position she’s succeeding from Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi who is running for schools chief.
We spoke with Patel last year at the start of her first term in the Legislature. She has since made supporting students with disabilities one of her priorities.
Patel takes over the committee at a key moment amid reforms for changing the state’s education governing structure.
Leader Jones introduces urgent legislation to fix broken elderly parole program
by Senate Minority Leader Brian W. Jones
Today, Senate Minority Leader Brian W. Jones (R-San Diego) announced the introduction of new legislation to roll back the age requirements and increase time served criteria for California criminals to be released under the state’s elderly parole program.
“Turning 50 does not mean violent criminals no longer pose a threat to the public, but that’s how this broken system of elderly parole treats them,” said Jones. “This policy was forced through the legislature and signed by Newsom outside the normal process because they knew it was wrong and wouldn’t pass muster. I’m rolling it back to make sure the worst of our criminals don’t get out of jail free just because they turn 50.”
The bill, SB 356, was previously introduced to address other issues at the Board of Parole Hearings but has now been amended to raise the minimum age of eligibility for elderly parole to 60 and the minimum time served to 25 in the wake of the Parole Board’s vote to release violent, sexual predator David Funston last month under elderly parole.
Fair Amplifies Summer with Seven New Toyota Concert Series Headliners
By Del Mar Fair
The 2026 San Diego County Fair is turning up the volume with the addition of seven dynamic Grandstand acts to this summer’s Toyota Summer Concert Series.
The newly announced shows, which follow the announcement of four acts in February, include chart-topping pop and country, regional Mexican favorites, rock legends and hip-hop hitmakers:
- Chicago
- Pancho Barraza and Banda Machos
- Nelly
- Maren Morris
- El Coyote & Chuy Lizárraga: Capibaras Tour
- AJR
- Conjunto Primavera
Tickets for the seven shows go on sale to the general public at 10 a.m. Friday, March 13 at sdfair.com. Fair fans who subscribe to the San Diego County Fair’s email newsletter will unlock exclusive pre-sale access beginning at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 11 through 11:59 p.m. Thursday, March 12.
The four previously announced Grandstand concerts — Koe Wetzel, Los Tucanes de Tijuana, Marshmello, and Good Charlotte — are on sale now.
The seven new shows were officially announced Tuesday at a meeting of the Board of Directors of the 22nd District Agricultural Association, which produces the Fair. Even more headliners will be revealed in April, building anticipation for one unforgettable summer soundtrack.
“Our Grandstand lineup for this year’s San Diego County Fair reflects the rich diversity of the community that we proudly serve,” said Carlene Moore, the 22nd DAA’s CEO. “We’re bringing together legendary performers, fan favorites and fresh new voices to create a soundtrack worthy of another exciting chapter of this beautiful summer tradition that we call the Fair.”
Every ticket to the Toyota Summer Concert Series includes complimentary same-day admission to the Fair, giving concertgoers the chance to arrive early to experience everything the Fair has to offer before and after the concert.
The 2026 San Diego County Fair will be open for 20 days, beginning Wednesday, June 10 and closing the night of Sunday, July 5. The Fair is closed Mondays and Tuesdays. This year’s Fair theme is “Once Upon A Fair,” a celebration of the joys of imagination, reading, and storytelling.
Ticket On-Sale and Pre-Sale Details
- Public On-Sale: 10 a.m. Friday, March 13 online at sdfair.com
- Email Subscriber Pre-Sale: 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 11 through 11:59 p.m. Thursday, March 12. To get the best seats in the house, subscribe to the Fair’s email list at sdfair.com to receive a special pre-sale access code.
Concert Experiences & Ticket Types
The Toyota Summer Concert Series takes place in the Fair’s largest venue, the Corona Grandstand Stage, and offers a range of seating experiences.
New for 2026: Terrace C Premium General Admission enhances the concert experience with complimentary water, a candy station, fresh popcorn, exclusive access to a private bar and the added convenience of preferred parking.
For premium, stage-level seating with table service, guests can select Terrace B. A variety of General Admission options are also available for those who prefer flexibility and value.
Toyota Summer Concert Series on the Corona Grandstand Stage
All Grandstand tickets include same-day admission to the San Diego County Fair. The Fair opens each day at 11 a.m. The Grandstand shows begin at 7:30 p.m., unless otherwise noted.
- Wednesday, June 10: Chicago
Ticket prices: $83.50–$549.90 (VIP Experience offered)
- Sunday, June 21: Pancho Barraza and Banda Machos
- Ticket prices: $67.10–$200.20
- Thursday, June 25: Nelly
- Ticket prices: $75.90–$174.90
- Friday, June 26: Maren Morris
- Ticket prices: $66–$181.50
- Sunday, June 28: El Coyote & Chuy Lizárraga: Capibaras Tour
- Ticket prices: $75.90–$201.30
- Wednesday, July 1: AJR
- Ticket prices: $75.90–$190.30
- Sunday, July 5: Conjunto Primavera
- Ticket prices: $50.60–$182.60
These artists join the four Grandstand acts previously announced.
- Friday, June 12: Koe Wetzel
Ticket prices: $88.00–$228.80
- Sunday, June 14: Los Tucanes de Tijuana
- Ticket prices: $55.00–$165.00
- Friday, June 19: Marshmello
- Ticket prices: $71.50–$182.60
- Saturday, June 20: Good Charlotte
- Ticket prices: $95.70–$195.90
Even more acts will join the Toyota Summer Concert Series lineup in April. For concert updates and special offers, subscribe to the Fair’s e-newsletter at sdfair.com.
