Los Angeles County is dismissing 60,000 cannabis convictions
The dismissals aim to reverse the racial injustices of drug laws as many of the cases are those of people of color disproportionately incarcerated for drug offenses.
California
California is home to some of the nation’s most ambitious climate, housing, and social policy experiments. This archive tracks the progress stories and milestones emerging from the state — from clean energy breakthroughs to community health wins.
New California laws make housing more affordable and sustainable
California got three new laws that allow more homes to be built. Denser cities should shorten commutes, lower emissions, and make for more equitable housing.
Los Angeles County votes to end oil and gas drilling
There are currently 1,046 active wells, 637 idle wells, and 2,731 abandoned wells in unincorporated areas of the nation’s most populous county.
U.S. EPA limits pesticide pollution into rivers and streams to protect Pacific salmon and trout
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is finally acting to protect more than two dozen endangered West Coast salmon and steelhead species from pesticides.
Dole and Piñatex are partnering to scale up vegan leather production
Piñatex turns pineapple leaves into vegan, petroleum-free leather products. Now, Piñatex will have access to waste leaves from Dole’s Philippines farm, one of the largest pineapple plantations in the world.
Endangered Southern Resident orcas get new protection from U.S. government
The National Marine Fisheries Service on Friday finalized rules to expand the Southern Resident orca’s critical habitat from the Canadian border down to Point Sur, California, adding 15,910 square miles (41,207 square kilometers) of foraging areas, river mouths and migratory pathways.
Tesla claims 92% battery cell material recovery in new recycling process
For years now, Tesla has been working with third-party recyclers to recover materials from their end-of-life battery packs. But the automaker has also been working on its own “unique battery recycling system.“
California Assembly passes groundbreaking deforestation bill
AB 416 requires that state’s forest product suppliers have policies that prevent deforestation and guarantee Indigenous Peoples the right to free, prior and informed consent for any operations on their territories.
America’s first transgender suicide hotline is up and running
The new hotline is staffed entirely by transgender people and dedicated to addressing and supporting members of the trans community in mental health crises.
San Francisco Giants make MLB history wearing Pride-themed uniforms
The San Francisco Giants became the first team in Major League Baseball to wear Pride colors onto the field on June 5 for their Pride Day game against the Chicago Cubs.