Retired lobbyist

It’s official. Chris Cate is no longer a lobbyist for the San Diego County Taxpayers Association. So says a December 2 lobbyist disclosure statement filed by the group with the city clerk’s office. This month Cate, who was backed by U-T San Diego owner Douglas Manchester and an array of other development and business interests, takes his seat on the city council. The statement lists 15 “municipal decisions” that the group has an interest in. Whether Cate falls in line for his former bosses remains to be seen. The association’s desires include a “water reuse” program, outsourcing city services, and a “cost-effective emergency medical services program.”

The Port of San Diego is looking for a new deputy general counsel, with a salary range between $119,808 to $183,643, for its controversial development push. “Experience should include drafting ground and commercial leases, as well as all lease related documents, permits, licenses, easements, and other transactional documents,” says the job listing. …

Democrats managed a sweep of California state offices, including the victory of state Attorney General Kamala Harris, with the help of some late donors from San Diego. On November 4, according to a disclosure report, the Del Mar–based Thoroughbred Owners of California kicked in $6800 and Software maker Intuit gave $2500. The same day, non–San Diegan Leonardo DiCaprio came up with $6800.