The law — which was hailed as “unprecedented,” “groundbreaking,” and “a catalyst to change the way we work with communities” — was supposed to clear the air for low-income communities of color that bear the brunt of California’s air pollution. But, after more than four years and more than $1 billion in state funds, it’s impossible to say whether the program has improved the smoggy and toxic air that almost 4 million people breathe in 15 communities. And, although the law aimed to give community activists and residents a greater role in complex regulatory processes, decisionmaking rests with whom it always has :state and local air regulators.
Delvo: “But once it comes into the hands of whatever local agency is controlling it, they control the outcome of it.”
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Michael “Mikey” Steinmetz, co-founder of Flow Cannabis Co. :“He championed our message and he rode our coattails all the way to the top. We feel that he has turned his back in some capacity.” Nicole Elliott, director of the state Department of Cannabis Control :“It is an oversimplification to say that tax reduction will solve all of the industry’s problems.”
The leadership change comes as EDD, which has acknowledged paying at least $20 billion in fraudulent claims amid the pandemic, attempts to crack down on a torrent of scam disability insurance claims , verify the identity of 1.4 million recipients of pandemic jobless benefits , implement key reforms recommended by the state auditor and investigate fraudulent cases. “It has been very hard for us to bring on investigators,” EDD spokeswoman Loree Levy told the San Diego-Union Tribune .Saenz: “I am proud of the many reforms and new programs EDD put in place during the last year, and Nancy Farias has the energy and direct experience to keep this positive momentum going.” Assemblymember Jim Patterson, a Fresno Republican: “The governor needs to put someone in charge of the EDD with the guts to make the necessary changes. He can expect more of the same from this rudderless and outdated department.”
