Newsom grants 10 pardons, including for drug crimes

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California Gov. Gavin Newsom granted 10 pardons Friday to 10 people, including several who were convicted of drug offenses more than 20 years ago. Also, someone who was facing deportation.

Since 1993, Newsom has granted 140 pardons. 123 commutations have been made and 35 reprieves. 2019: Take office

California Constitution gives the governor the power to grant clemency. A commutation reduces a prison sentence. A pardon is essentially the same but restores civil rights for those who have served their sentences.

Newsom’s pardons Friday included:

—U.S Army veteran John Berger, who was convicted of transporting a controlled substance in 1994. He now helps others to sobriety.

—Kathy Uetz, who was convicted of drug-related crimes in 1997 and has since volunteered more than 5,000 hours with a community emergency response team.

— Santiago Lopez, who was convicted of drug crimes in 2001 at 19 years old. He is now the facility manager at his church and a peer counselor. With his wife, he also founded a non-profit organization for youth leaders.

—Lucas Beltran Dominguez, 60, faces deportation and family separation because of his conviction. He is a father to seven children and an active member of his church.