Justice

California would allow residents to opt for a “nonbinary” gender marker on all forms of state identification—"M" and "F" would likely be followed by “X" —under advancing legislation. That would make California the first state in the nation to fully depart from the rigid either/or categorization of gender, embracing a more fluid understanding of the term—at least on paper.

It’s rare that a California lawmaker seeking a policy model to follow would turn to Kentucky. But with the Legislature on summer recess, that’s precisely what Sen. Bob Hertzberg is doing. The mission: travel to the Bluegrass state to investigate how Kentucky gets its defendants awaiting trial to show up for court dates and keep […]

To the relief of California's infant recreational cannabis industry, a federal task force convened by Attorney General—and marijuana foe—Jeff Sessions fails to justify a crackdown on states that have legalized marijuana.

Zawadi Namagazuzyo was about 12 when she was forced to flee her native Congo. Her mother and many family members were dead. Her father wanted her to live. “There was fighting, a lot of fighting,” she said, recalling how the two of them ended up at a refugee camp in Zambia. She grew up there […]

After a man held a knife to her throat, forced her into her car and repeatedly raped her, Helena Lazaro underwent a painful and humiliating medical forensic examination. The 17 year old wanted her attacker caught. She never imagined the evidence collected in what is known as a rape kit would sit untouched for years […]

Gov. Jerry Brown signed into law today a new gun control measure that restricts firearms access for Californians accused of crimes—countermanding recent Trump administration rules expanding who can and cannot own a gun.

Andy de Leon thought he was the only one. Deported to Mexico, the Vietnam-era Army cook struggled to find a way to live in Tijuana—landing in the sprawling border city after serving time for a drug conviction. At age 65 he lost his home in Madera, his car and his family. It’s been years since […]

In yet another worrying sign for California marijuana advocates, a newly uncovered letter reveals that U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has asked Congressional leaders for the freedom to prosecute medical marijuana activities.

A controversial bill that would bar California law enforcement from helping the federal government prosecute marijuana offenses has passed a key legislative hurdle.

California cities and counties are discovering a hard truth as they angle for a cut of the state’s newly legalized marijuana proceeds: Tax collecting in cannabis country comes with its share of obstacles. And there’s no “how to” guide.