SoCal air board restricts urban oil fields + South LA cardiologist and community activist dies



A view of the Budlong oil drilling site. | Matt Tinoco

A view of the Budlong oil drilling site. | Matt Tinoco

Southern California air board puts new restrictions on urban oil fields: Southern California oil companies have been ordered by the South Coast Air Quality Management District to improve communications with neighbors regarding odor complaints. South LA has several active oil drilling sites that have caused health and noise problems for residents. (Los Angeles Times)

James Mays dies at 77; South L.A. cardiologist and community activist: James Mays, a local activist, passed away due to complications from lung disease. Mays was a cardiologist and also started several community outreach programs to help families in South Los Angeles. (Los Angeles Times)

Los Angeles midwives aim to end racial disparities at birth: African American midwives are working in underserved areas to give pregnant mothers and their children the best shot at life. A South LA birthing center is working to make pregnancy and birth more affordable. (Al Jazeera America)

Garcetti and Beck say city is working to halt rise in homicides: Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and Police Chief Charlie Beck held an emergency summit to address rising violence in South Los Angeles over the past month. The city is working with local community leaders and organizations to stop the sharp increase homicides. (Los Angeles Times)