California

Pesticide Spraying Near Calif. School Concerns Parents. Why It’s Legal.

"Although California laws prevent schools and nearby farmers from applying pesticides when students are present, cities are largely an exception. On May 1, Patterson city staff sprayed pesticides at Floragold Park next to Apricot Valley Elementary school while kids were outside."

Source: Modesto Bee, 05/22/2026

"$6 Gas And Refinery Fears Collide With California’s Climate Ambitions"

"California is considering giving oil refineries and other major polluters billions in free pollution permits under a major overhaul of its carbon market. The fight is exposing a deeper question inside Gov. Gavin Newsom's climate agenda: Can California lower emissions without driving up gas prices?"

Source: CalMatters, 05/22/2026

Pork Lobbyist Leads “Nonpartisan” Group Opposing State Animal Welfare Laws

"In March, a letter to the editor appeared in the Los Angeles Times imploring Congress to take action against a California law that requires farmers provide hogs, calves and chickens with enough room to turn around, lie down and stretch. A chief problem with the law, according to the letter, is that it applies to animals raised in other states if products from those animals are sold into California."

Source: The New Lede, 05/22/2026
June 7, 2026

Pints & Press: SPJ/LA 2026 Mega Mixer

Join us Sunday, June 7, from 4-7pm PT at Golden Road Brewery in Atwater Village for a fun evening of conversation and community as journalists from across LA and SoCal come together to eat, drink and mingle. It’s the perfect opportunity to meet new faces and reconnect with familiar ones.

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Over 17,000 Ordered To Evacuate As S. California Wildfire Threatens Homes

"More than 17,000 people were under evacuation orders in Southern California on Tuesday as a wildfire threatened suburban homes. The wind-driven Sandy Fire was reported Monday in the hills above Simi Valley, about 30 miles (48 kilometers) northwest of Los Angeles."

Source: AP, 05/20/2026

Calif. Hazardous Waste Rules Slammed as Years Late and ‘Polluter-Friendly’

"Wherever they turn, residents in and around Santa Fe Springs, California, contend with toxic hazards." "Proposed hazardous waste oversight changes are years behind schedule and fail to account for a community’s health risks from pollution, environmental groups warn."

Source: Capital & Main, 05/19/2026

Reporters Expose Failed Systems After Hurricane Ian, Maui Fires

In the wake of two major disasters, beat reporters at The Washington Post examined systemic failures in response and recovery, and the human toll for affected communities. Journalist Brianna Sacks shares what she learned from those investigations, which won a large market award for beat reporting from the Society of Environmental Journalists. Read our Inside Story Q&A.

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