California is updating CalEnviroScreen, the tool used to allocate cleanup funds to polluted communities. The update adds indicators like diabetes prevalence and small air toxic sites. Officials say they're listening more to communities, but critics argue the tool still misses some areas. The update involves collaboration with eight community organizations. Officials plan to gather feedback through public meetings this month and expect a final version in the summer. Critics want more indicators and question the tool's design. Advocates emphasize the need for the tool to drive real change, not just funding.

As crews work to clean up from the Los Angeles wildfires, city officials and residents are opposing the designation of a federally owned park to process hazardous waste. The Environmental Protection Agency is using Lario Park in the San Gabriel Valley to temporarily separate, package and transport potentially hazardous materials from the Eaton Fire in Altadena. That includes items such as paints, pesticides and lithium-ion batteries from electric cars and other electronics. Locals worry about dangerous waste that could pollute the air and soil or seep into groundwater and they are furious they were not notified in advance.