Robert Lewis, Wendy Fry- CalMatters

CalMatters en Español

California exporta el riesgo de sus desechos peligrosos y un barrio en México muestra las consecuencias

Read this story in English. Los vapores que entraban al centro preescolar de Martha Beatriz León en las afueras de Tecate, México, olían mucho peor de lo habitual, como a basura podrida. O tal vez era amoníaco. Una mujer lo comparó con el olor de la pólvora gastada. Fuera lo que fuese, León dijo que […]

By Robert Lewis and Wendy Fry • December 20, 2023

Environment

California exports the risk from its hazardous waste. One neighborhood in Mexico shows the consequences

An ongoing CalMatters investigation has shown how California companies and governments avoid the Golden State's strict environmental regulations by shipping toxic waste across state borders. New reporting shows how California exports the risk to Mexico.

By Robert Lewis and Wendy Fry • December 20, 2023

CalMatters en Español

Los sitios viejos de desechos peligrosos en vecindarios latinos tienen registros de seguridad preocupantes

Read this story in English. California produce millones de toneladas de desechos peligrosos cada año: desechos tóxicos que pueden filtrarse en las aguas subterráneas o volar al aire. Son desechos que pueden explotar, provocar incendios, devorar contenedores de metal, destruir ecosistemas y enfermar a las personas. Es un material peligroso en el que confiamos e […]

By Robert Lewis • August 22, 2023

Environment

Toxic trash: California’s aging hazardous waste sites have troubling safety records

Neighbors to one of California's biggest hazardous waste recyclers say they're unfairly exposed to pollution, but can California afford to lose one of the few facilities that still takes toxic waste?

By Robert Lewis • August 22, 2023

Environment

California keeps sending toxic soil to out-of-state landfills — Newsom and legislators are slow to change course

California sends toxic soil to landfills in Utah and Arizona, including sites near Native American reservations. Will lawmakers step in to keep the waste in state?

By Robert Lewis • February 28, 2023

Environment

California Toxics: Out of state, out of mind

A CalMatters investigation finds that environmentally stringent California sends nearly half its toxic waste across its borders, often to states with weaker rules. One of the biggest out-of-state dumpers: the state’s own hazardous waste watchdog.

By Robert Lewis • January 25, 2023

CalMatters en Español

¿Alivio del estrés o exposición tóxica? El estado advierte que los “los cuartos de la ira” pueden generar una liberación que va más allá de solo emociones

En resumen A los expertos ambientales estatales les preocupa que romper televisores, monitores y computadoras portátiles viejos en las llamadas “salas de ira” pueda liberar desechos peligrosos o dañar potencialmente la salud de los clientes. Read this article in English. Si eres fanático de las noticias de la televisión local, es muy probable que hayas […]

By Robert Lewis • July 25, 2022

Justice

Stress relief or toxic exposure? State cautions ‘rage rooms’ may deliver unwanted release

State environmental experts worry that smashing old TVs, monitors and laptops in so-called ‘rage rooms’ may release hazardous waste or potentially harm customers’ health.

By Robert Lewis • July 25, 2022

Education

Secrecy shrouds pandemic spending at some California schools

California schools received more than $33 billion in COVID stimulus money. Some districts won’t say how they’ve spent it.

By Robert Lewis and Joe Hong • June 9, 2022

Education

Spending spree: Oversight scarce as billions in COVID aid poured into California schools

A CalMatters investigation found that schools had wildly different approaches to stimulus spending — from laptops to shade structures to an ice cream truck. No centralized database exists to show the public exactly where the money went.

By Robert Lewis and Joe Hong • June 9, 2022

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