Newsbrief: Santa Monica assesses equity program

Santa Monica's city council planned to discuss proposed updates to its social equity licensing framework. Set to begin accepting applications this month, the proposed changes would give preferred treatment to individuals who meet two out of three qualifications -- cannabis arrest history, residence in designated zip codes and low household income -- instead of all three.

Many other states and municipalities have attempted similar social equity programs, often with dismaying results. Next door the city of Los Angeles . . .