"Newsom Grants Easter Pardons and Commutations to 55 Individuals"

California Governor Gavin Newsom issued pardons for 37 individuals, commuted sentences for 18 others, and submitted a pardon application for Earlonne Woods, co-creator of the "Ear Hustle" podcast. The application is the first step in a process requiring approval from the state Supreme Court due to Woods' multiple felony convictions. Newsom also granted a posthumous pardon to William Burwell, a Civil Rights Movement activist, and commuted the sentence of Rahsaan "New York" Thomas, a former San Quentin inmate and "Ear Hustle" co-host. These actions are part of Newsom's ongoing efforts to consider the impact of clemency on the community, the circumstances of the crimes, and the rehabilitation of individuals.