San Diego Daily Local Headlines: Vacant-Home Tax Ballot, $50M County Plan, World Cup Base Camp

Housing and City Hall

San Diego City Council voted 8-1 to send a proposed tax on vacant second homes to voters in the June primary. The measure targets homes considered a second residence that sit empty for more than half the year, with exemptions for situations like military service, disaster damage, and long-term care.

As proposed, the tax would start at $8,000 in 2027 and rise to $10,000 in 2028 and beyond, with an additional charge for corporate-owned vacant homes. Supporters framed it as a push to bring more homes into active use; opponents argued the policy could face court challenges similar to other cities.

County spending: maintenance, services, and the Tijuana River

San Diego County supervisors approved more than $50 million in midyear budget actions, including a 3-2 vote to unlock $47.4 million for facility maintenance and a range of services. A separate $8.8 million allocation aimed at the Tijuana River sewage crisis passed unanimously.

• Notable line items include facility maintenance, public health, rental assistance, affordable housing development, voter services, and food assistance.

World Cup ripple effect

New Zealand's men's national soccer team announced it will base in San Diego during this summer's FIFA World Cup, training at the University of San Diego and traveling for matches as needed. The pick puts a new global spotlight on local venues and hotels as teams lock in logistics.

Public health snapshot

County health officials reported a second straight year of declines in several major sexually transmitted infections, based on 2024 data released by the state. Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and primary and secondary syphilis were all down compared with 2023, while officials said prevention and screening work remains urgent, especially around maternal and congenital syphilis.

Weather watch

Forecasters called for morning fog at the coast and valleys, with gusty winds focused on the mountains and deserts into Thursday. Visibility could drop sharply at times, and a wind advisory was posted for stronger gusts in the backcountry.

Sources

https://timesofsandiego.com/politics/2026/03/03/council-empty-second-homes-tax-june-ballot/
https://timesofsandiego.com/politics/2026/03/04/county-supervisors-approve-50m-spending-plan-to-shore-up-maintenance-services/
https://www.kpbs.org/news/international/2026/03/02/new-zealand-mens-football-squad-selects-san-diego-as-world-cup-home-base
https://timesofsandiego.com/health/2026/03/02/number-stis-county-continues-decline/
https://www.10news.com/weather/san-diegos-weather-forecast-for-march-3-2026-morning-fog-gusty-winds-in-parts-of-the-county