Oldest conviction dates to 1978; all recipients completed sentences, earned rehabilitation certificates
Gov. Gavin Newsom on Friday issued full pardons to 16 people convicted of crimes as far back as 47 years ago, clearing their records after courts and the Board of Parole Hearings certified years of law-abiding conduct.
The pardons, signed Nov. 7, cover felony convictions for offenses including residential burglary, drug possession, robbery and assault with a semiautomatic firearm. Each recipient served prison or jail time, finished parole or probation, and later obtained a Certificate of Rehabilitation from a superior court — a step that requires judges to find the applicant no longer poses a public-safety risk…