In statehouses and governors’ mansions across the country, the number of bills targeting LGBTQ+ rights have increased year after year, with 800 being introduced this year alone. The Trump administration also has embraced the shift, with federal agencies aggressively investigating California and threatening its funding over its trans-inclusive policies. Last week, the Supreme Court ruled that states may ban gender-affirming care for transgender minors.

The goal of the rally was to bring visibility to SB 731, which allowed for those with certain criminal records to petition for expungement, according to Ingrid Archie, Organizing Director for TimeDone. Through the services being offered, the organizations hope to remove some of the barriers to work, housing and personal well-being that having a criminal record introduces.

In a stinging rebuke of one of California Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta’s most politically fraught prosecutions, a state appeals court moved Thursday to dismiss the remaining criminal charges against a top advisor to ex-Los Angeles County Dist. Atty. George Gascón.

At its conference yesterday, the Supreme Court straight granted two cases — one civil and one criminal — involving minors, one child a victim and one a perpetrator.