California Gov. Gavin Newsom pardons 10, some cannabis convictions

California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Dec. 23 announced 10 pardons, including at least two on cannabis-related charges. Some of the charges are decades old, and one charge dates back to 1973. The list of pardons includes some of the ways people have changed their lives since their convictions.

The governor has identified some of the systems in place that are “counterproductive” to public safety when you look at the bigger picture. Convictions can ravage a person’s life, leading to deportation, permanent family separation, or other consequences.

“The California Constitution gives the governor the authority to grant pardons,” Gov. Newsom’s announcement said. “The governor views pardons as an important part of the criminal justice system that can incentivize accountability and rehabilitation and increase public safety by removing counterproductive barriers to successful re-entry. A pardon can also eliminate unjust side effects of a conviction such as deportation and permanent family separation.

Pardons do not forgive or minimize damage caused by crimes. Instead, these pardons recognize the self-development and rehabilitation of the pardoned since then.”

In the announcement, the governor noted that crime victims were heavily considered in these decisions. “The Office of the Governor encourages victims, survivors and witnesses to register with the CDCR’s Office of Victims and Survivors Rights and Services for information regarding the status of an incarcerated person. The office also released more general information about victim services.

The pardons contain information about how people made changes. Some people on the list even went to substance abuse or other types of counseling. Below are the ten people pardoned by the governor:

• John Berger, convicted of transporting a controlled substance in 1995. Berger is now working to support others with their sobriety.
• Lucas Beltran Dominguez, convicted of transporting or selling cannabis and possessing cannabis for sale in 2008. Dominguez is now a father of seven and an active member of his church.
• Michael Farrier, convicted of first-degree burglary and second-degree robbery in 1990.
• Kimberly Gregorio, convicted of possession of a controlled substance for sale and obstructing an officer in 1988.
• James King, III, was convicted of selling cocaine in 1988.
• Santiago Lopez was convicted of possession of cannabis for sale in 2000, possession of cannabis for sale in 2004, and possession of a controlled substance and possession of cannabis for sale in 2001. Lopez is now his church’s facility manager and peer counselor.
• Kenneth Lyerly, convicted of possession of a controlled substance for sale in 2004.
• Jimmy Platon, convicted of trespassing in 1973 and possession of a controlled substance for sale in 1978.
• Julie Ruehle, convicted of two counts in 1999, one of possession of a controlled substance and the other of possession of a vehicle without consent.
• Kathy Uetz, convicted of possession of a controlled substance in 1991 and of possession of a controlled substance for sale in 1997. Uetz volunteered over 5,000 hours with a community emergency response team.

To date, Governor Newsom has granted a total of 140 pardons, 123 commutations and 35 grace periods during his tenure.

Similar efforts are being made by the Office of the Governor. Gov. Newsom also signed a bill into law in September 2022 that creates an alternative plea bargaining option for people facing certain drug convictions. The Alternate Plea Act allows prosecutors to offer a public harassment plea to some defendants charged with drug offenses. Under the law, prosecutors have discretion to bring forward public harassment.