Daily Business Report: October 23, 2026
Taxpayer-funded $3.2 billion fruit, vegetable program restarts
By Madeline Shannon | The Center Square
A taxpayer-funded $3 billion-plus program to provide food assistance recipients with fresh fruit and vegetables is back online after a $20 million cash infusion from California’s taxpayers.
The latest allocation supplements roughly $3.2 billion worth of taxpayer spending on the CalFresh program, which is California’s version of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP.
According to an announcement from Assemblymember Alex Lee, D-Milpitas, the CalFresh Fruit and Vegetable Electronic Benefit Transfer Program is back up after running out of money in June. The program gives CalFresh recipients up to an extra $60 every month to buy healthy, fresh fruit and vegetables.
County Supervisor Jim Desmond flies himself to campaign events in a plane he bought from two donors
by Tessa Balc | Times of San Diego
California’s new 48th Congressional District is big, but County Supervisor Jim Desmond has an unusual advantage when he needs to cross it: his private plane.
A 32-minute flight to Palm Springs on Sept. 11. A 29-minute flight to Riverside on Sept. 30. From campaign meet-and-greets in Idyllwild to a Lincoln Club luncheon in Rancho Mirage to, most recently, a meeting in Riverside with House Speaker Mike Johnson, the former commercial airline pilot regularly flies himself to campaign events as he seeks to retain control of a district that could help determine partisan control of Congress.
Desmond also bought the plane from two long-time supporters — Steve Flynn and Kathleen Bell Flynn, the daughter of the founder of Taco Bell. They serve as executives of Bell Holdings, according to Desmond’s campaign filings.
Passion for the pour: Chef Erin Sealy brings wine and food together in PB
by Robin Dohrn-Simpson | Times of San Diego
Wine Pairs Events, a culinary experience that brings thoughtfully prepared food together with carefully selected wines, is coming to Pacific Beach on Oct. 20.
Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast, just beginning to explore wine, or simply looking for an intimate evening of exceptional flavors, chef Erin Sealy invites you to take a seat at her table at Drift Cafe.
Sealy is a self-made chef who specializes in pairing food with wine, beer and spirits. Her passion for wine began at an early age.
