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SACRAMENTO Californians may have to request plastic straws at eateries

Sit-down restaurants in California may soon stop providing disposable plastic straws with drinks unless customers request them.

The state Assembly advanced a bill Wednesday that would require dinein restaurants provide single-use plastic straws only upon request.

Assemblyman Ian Calderon says plastic straws contribute to the buildup of trash in the oceans. The Whittier Democrat describes his bill is a small step toward addressing the environmental and public health problem.

The bill passed 45-17. It still requires approval from the state Senate and governor before it can become law.

LOS ANGELES 142 charged in crackdown on illegal marijuana businesses

Prosecutors say 142 people face criminal charges after a crackdown on illegal marijuana dispensaries in Los Angeles.

City Attorney Mike Feuer says Wednesday that the charges involve employees of 32 commercial cannabis businesses and a company that delivers marijuana.

Officials say it’s the first time the city has brought criminal charges against illegal pot dispensaries since recreational marijuana was legalized in California in January.

Legal businesses need both city and state licenses.

BYRON Crews battle seven grass fires in California

Fire officials say crews are battling seven vegetation fires in Northern California being fueled by strong winds.

The fires in are burning along Byron Highway near Clifton Court Forebay, a reservoir in the San Joaquin River Delta region.

The East Contra Costa Fire Protection District says in a Facebook post that Alameda County Fire is also helping fight the blazes that started Wednesday afternoon. A Cal Fire helicopter is also assisting with water drops.

Additional details have not been released.