SAN DIEGO COURTS: The Port District is getting some help from the state in its legal fight against a ballot measure that would allow development at the 10th Avenue Marine Terminal downtown.

The State Lands Commission filed a “friend of the court” brief yesterday supporting the port's lawsuit aimed at keeping the measure off the Nov. 4 ballot.

The measure would permit private developers to build a 96-acre deck over the terminal, allowing for various uses, including a sports arena, a stadium or an expansion of the convention center.

The port is arguing that it has exclusive legislative jurisdiction over the area, and the state commission agrees.

“The Legislature has delegated to San Diego Unified Port District the exclusive legislative power over matters regarding lands administered by the port,” the brief states.

The case is due back in San Diego Superior Court on Sept. 4. The county deadline to print ballots is Sept. 9. –A.C.