Pharmacist Sonya Frausto, who owns and runs Ten Acres Pharmacy in Sacramento on Nov. 21, 2023. Frausto no longer flavors children’s medicine after updated federal guidelines in 2022 recommended that pharmacies compounding drugs should undergo stricter regulations. Gov. Newsom recently vetoed a law that would have safeguarded the practice.
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Fred Greaves
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CalMatters
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Topline:
Parents say flavored medication can help ensure their kids finish a prescription. Far fewer California pharmacies are offering that service as they await new rules from a state regulator.
Why it matters: Medicines that are commonly flavored include flu syrups, like Tamiflu, and various antibiotic prescriptions, including amoxicillin and Augmentin. Parents are worried about the change, especially as respiratory diseases and infections become more prevalent during the winter.
The backstory: The suspension of flavoring services by pharmacies follows new guidance from the United States Pharmacopeia, a nonprofit agency that advises the federal government. It’s a shift from California’s past policy. In 2010, the California Board of Pharmacy explicitly stated in their lawbook that drug compounding does not include “the addition of flavoring agent(s) to enhance palatability.”
California’s Board of Pharmacy now is preparing rules that will adopt the federal guidance. While these rules will not ban flavoring, they would require pharmacists to comply with more stringent regulations when providing the service.
More than 3,000 California pharmacies earlier this month ended a service they long provided to help the medicine go down, and it’s unclear when they’ll restore it.
The pharmacies suspended their practice of flavoring medication because they’re awaiting rules from a state regulator charged with applying federal guidance that characterized the service as drug compounding, meaning the mixing of prescription medication.
Medicines that are commonly flavored include flu syrups, like Tamiflu, and various antibiotic prescriptions, including amoxicillin and Augmentin. Parents are worried about the change, especially as respiratory diseases and infections become more prevalent during the winter.
Brenda Alvarez of Anaheim said her four kids don’t like taking unflavored medication. “It’s harder for them to get the medication, especially when they’re sick, because the taste is just really bad,” she said.
The suspension of flavoring services by pharmacies follows new guidance from the United States Pharmacopeia, a nonprofit agency that advises the federal government.
It’s a shift from California’s past policy. In 2010, the California Board of Pharmacy explicitly stated in their lawbook that drug compounding does not include “the addition of flavoring agent(s) to enhance palatability.”
California’s Board of Pharmacy now is preparing rules that will adopt the federal guidance. While these rules will not ban flavoring, they would require pharmacists to comply with more stringent regulations when providing the service.
Chad Baker, senior vice president of marketing at flavoring manufacturer FLAVORx, said it is easier for California pharmacies to drop service than deal with potential costs and citations from the state regulator.
“It has been particularly rough because California has had a language in place at the Board of Pharmacy for the past 14 years that said flavoring is not compounding. And so that was what a lot of pharmacies base their investments on and what they wanted to provide to customers,” he said.
Pharmacist Sonya Frausto, who owns and runs Ten Acres Pharmacy in Sacramento, shows the process that she previously used to flavor children’s medication on Nov. 21, 2023.
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Fred Greaves
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CalMatters
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Pharmacists are also worried about losing customers.
“When we talk about flavoring we’re really talking about products that are manufactured, have expiration dates, and are quality controlled from the manufacturer themselves,” said Sonya Frausto, pharmacist and owner of a Sacramento pharmacy. “We’re not making a new compound.”
Assemblymember Tina McKinnor, an Inglewood Democrat, introduced a bill this year that would have prevented the confusion by excluding flavoring from being considered drug compounding. The bill passed overwhelmingly in the Legislature, but Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed it.
“While I appreciate the author’s intention to maintain the current availability of flavored medication, this bill would create standards for California that do not meet the United States Pharmacopeia-National Formulary’s guidelines regarding compounding that have been put in place to minimize patients’ risk of harm,” Newsom wrote in his veto message.
The veto surprised some of the lawmakers who backed the bill.
“Anybody that’s been a parent knows that medication is only good when consumed, and when you have a child that is resisting taking the medication, that’s a big problem,” said Assemblymember Tom Lackey, a Republican from Palmdale who was a co-author of one of the versions of the bill.
Confusion over pharmacy rules
California is bound to the federal guidance because of a law Newsom signed in 2019 that requires the Board of Pharmacy to adopt regulations based on US Pharmacopeia standards.
US Pharmacopeia in late 2022 put forward an updated guidance on compounding that included stricter regulations, but was unclear on the issue of flavoring. Later, it released a supplement to the guidance saying that flavoring has been within the scope of drug compounding since 2004.
Pharmacists in April attended a Board of Pharmacy meeting where they urged regulators to exempt flavoring from the compounding rules. Board Vice President Maria Serpa told them “such action would run contrary to the board’s authority and would create conflict with federal law. California cannot adopt a lesser standard than those established” by US Pharmacopeia, according to meeting minutes.
Pharmacist Sonya Frausto, who owns and runs Ten Acres Pharmacy in Sacramento, shows the process that she previously used to flavor children’s medication. Nov. 21, 2023.
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Fred Greaves
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CalMatters
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Lobbyists representing pharmacies and flavoring manufacturers wrote several letters to the state board asking it to reconsider its position. “The board has treated medication flavoring as a pharmacy practice outside of the realm of compounding for decades,” they wrote in one letter.
But the board didn’t budge, and Newsom vetoed the bill that would have given the pharmacies more leeway.
Compliance, according to the US Pharmacopeia, would include stricter hygiene regulations as well as documentation of the compounding process. Some pharmacists are concerned the policies could drive up their costs.
According to a statement by the California Board of Pharmacy, “there are no provisions in pharmacy law that require a pharmacy to obtain a special or secondary license to compound nonsterile preparations,” which includes flavoring. “A pharmacy engaging in the practice of nonsterile compounding must comply with federal law, national standards and state law.”
California parents worry about kids’ medication
Parents are worried that the lack of flavors will deter their children from taking their medicine.
“Special needs parents like myself really struggle with children wanting to take their medication,” said Alvarez, whose oldest son, 9, was diagnosed with autism and sensory processing disorder.
Pharmacist Sonya Frausto, who owns and runs Ten Acres Pharmacy in Sacramento, helps a customer at the cash register on Nov. 21, 2023. Photo by Fred Greaves for CalMatters
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Fred Greaves
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CalMatters
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Frausto, the Sacramento pharmacist, also is a mother of two children. She said when medication is flavored, kids are more likely to take the full dose of the medication for the prescribed time.
“We want to make them feel comfortable,” she said. “Not doing flavoring sometimes can leave a lasting impression on the kids. They can say, ‘Oh I remember when I tasted that amoxicillin and it was disgusting,’ versus, ‘I remember taking that medication and it tasted like grape and I can continue to take the medication the next time I get prescribed the medication,’” she said.
Pharmacy chains including CVS and Rite Aid have stopped offering flavors in medications. Smaller pharmacies, like Frausto’s Ten Acres Pharmacy, an independent local pharmacy in Sacramento, are worried about the increased costs that could come with the federal guidance.
“I don’t have the capital to reinvest in new hoods or new types of ventilation systems based on what [the board’s] requirements are,” she said.
In California, the number of pharmacies that still offer flavoring fell to about 50, from more than 3,000 locations. This means families, especially those living in rural areas, could have to travel far to continue to get their kids’ medications flavored.
Alvarez said she would continue to give her children flavored medication, even if it means she has to drive a greater distance.
“It would be more of an inconvenience now,” she said. “But I think that would be the only way, just because I don’t see (my son) taking his medication otherwise.”
Mariana Dale
explores and explains the forces that shape how and what kids learn from kindergarten to high school.
Published July 21, 2026 2:50 PM
The Marshall High School Jazz Band opened the 2026 Los Angeles Unified Opening of Schools event.
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Mariana Dale
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LAist
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Topline:
Los Angeles Unified students showed improvements on the state’s reading, math and science standardized tests for a third consecutive year.
Why now: Superintendent Andrés Chait announced the preliminary results at the annual opening-of-schools address at East L.A.’s Garfield High School— his first as the district’s leader since the board appointed him to the job in June.
“ These are not just numbers on a page,” Chait said to an audience that included about 1,000 principals, administrators and district supporters. “They are the result of your passion, your persistence, your belief in what students can achieve.”
Why it matters: Student achievement, as measured by test scores, plummeted during the pandemic. Los Angeles Unified’s growth in 2025 outpaced the state as test scores exceeded pre-pandemic levels. This year the percentage of students in all grades who met or exceeded the standard are 39.7% for math, 48.3% for English and 32.1% for science.
It’s unclear how this compares to students statewide because those results have yet to be released.
Read on ... for more information from the address. This story will be updated.
Students within the Los Angeles Unified School District showed improvements on state reading, math and science standardized tests for a third consecutive year, district authorities announced Tuesday.
Superintendent Andrés Chait revealed the preliminary results at the annual opening-of-schools address at East L.A.’s Garfield High School— his first as the district’s leader since the board appointed him to the job in June.
“ These are not just numbers on a page,” Chait said to an audience that included about 1,000 principals, administrators and district supporters. “They are the result of your passion, your persistence, your belief in what students can achieve. These are collective accomplishments.
"They reflect the dedication, skill, and commitment of our entire community,” he said.
Jai Gant-Leau, principal of Eagle Tree Continuation High School, said the “back-to-basics” focus of Chait’s speech was a welcome departure from the tone of recent opening addresses.
“We will continue to rise for the outcomes and expectations for the success of our students. That's the message I got,” Gant-Leau said. “Very different than the others where it was a lot of… bells and whistles.”
This year the percentage of students in all grades who met or exceeded the standard are 39.7% for math, 48.3% for English and 32.1% for science. It’s unclear how this compares to students statewide because those results have yet to be released.
“The decisions will be hard, but we cannot lose sight of what defines us,” Chait said. “We are the system that lifts students to opportunity, turns potential into achievement, creates spaces of belonging, healing, growth.”
Cato Hernández
covers important issues that affect the everyday lives of Southern Californians.
Published July 21, 2026 2:41 PM
The program will focus on homes that survived the Eaton Fire.
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Mario Tama
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Getty Images
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Topline:
Altadena residents with homes that survived the Eaton Fire will soon have a chance at getting their soil cleaned up. The L.A. County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday to approve a new remediation program focused on lead contamination.
Didn’t this already happen? The federal government previously remediated properties where homes burned, although that thoroughness has been scrutinized. Helen Chavez Garcia, a spokesperson for Supervisor Kathryn Barger, said the county’s new program will be for properties that are still-standing, to help residents facing insurance obstacles.
What we know: The program will use $3 million of state and county funds for administrative and remediation costs. It will prioritize applicants who live with pregnant women or children under 6 years old. These groups face serious health risks with lead exposure.
What’s next: The program structure is being figured out, but it will be under the L.A. County Development Authority. A cohort of community organizations and researchers are helping design it. That's expected to launch this fall.
Keep up with LAist.
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Lucas Brady Woods
covers the weather and disasters, among other climate and science topics.
Published July 21, 2026 2:37 PM
A beach vendor takes a break under the Santa Monica Pier last week. More heat is in store for Southern California this week and into next.
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Mario Tama
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Getty Images
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Topline:
A heat advisory is in place for much of Southern California from 10 a.m. Wednesday through Monday.
The heat: Temperatures are expected to climb steadily this week. Inland valleys in L.A., Riverside and San Bernardino counties will see highs between the mid-90s and about 105 degrees. Areas closer to the coast, including downtown Los Angeles and most of Orange County, will hit the 90s, while beaches hover mostly in the upper 70s. Humidity also continues to add to the discomfort, making it harder to cool down.
Fire risk: Despite higher-than-normal humidity, a combination of dry brush and wind will also increase the likelihood of fires sparking in some places. The risk will be concentrated in places prone to high winds, including parts of the 5 Freeway corridor in northern L.A. County, especially around the Grapevine, and southern Santa Barbara County.
Beach conditions: Forecasters expect dangerously large waves and strong rip currents to persist through the weekend along the Southern California coast.
Read on … to learn more about what’s driving these uncomfortable conditions.
We hope you’ve gotten used to the hot weather, because it’s going to be here for a while.
The National Weather Service has issued yet another heat advisory for much of Southern California, less than a week after other high-temperature warnings were lifted.
This week’s advisory will be in place from 10 a.m. Wednesday through Monday. Forecasters expect temperatures to climb steadily over the course of Wednesday and Thursday.
The San Fernando Valley, San Gabriel Valley and other inland areas in L.A., as well as Riverside and San Bernardino counties, will likely see highs ranging from the mid-90s to about 105 degrees. Areas closer to the coast, including downtown Los Angeles and much of Orange County, will hit the 90s. Beaches will hover mostly in the upper 70s.
Humidity will also add to the discomfort. Even though it’s decreasing slightly, it makes cooling down harder, especially at night.
People who work outdoors or do not have air conditioning are especially at risk from the heat and humidity, along with people over 65, young children and other sensitive populations.
Making sense of heat forecasts
Southern Californians are no strangers to hot weather in the summer, but heat waves are getting hotter, longer and more frequent as the climate changes.
So you should know the words forecasters use to describe these weather events — and the risks they pose.
Heat advisory: Advisories are issued when temperatures are expected to be hot enough to cause discomfort and potentially lead to heat-related illnesses, especially for more vulnerable populations like young children and the elderly.
Extreme heat watch: Watches are essentially forecasts for upcoming periods of extreme heat. Forecasters say heat watches often cover wide areas and will be revised into more focused warnings and advisories as conditions become clearer over time. Watches are a good time to prepare for extreme heat.
Extreme heat warning: Warnings are issued when heat levels are or will likely become extremely dangerous. Under extreme heat warnings, it's a good idea to avoid strenuous outdoor activity, stay hydrated and help loved ones and pets stay cool.
Forecasters are warning that conditions are ripe for fires, driven by a combination of wind and dry vegetation.
Southern California hasn’t seen much rain recently, despite the humidity, leaving plants with little moisture and turning them into the perfect fuel.
“Even though the air feels kind of moist, we're in the time of season where it doesn't matter. The fuels are dry and they're ready to go,” said NWS meteorologist Ryan Kittell.
Kittel said people should take extra care with anything that could create a spark, and residents in fire-prone areas should remain aware of their surroundings in case a fire starts.
The fire risk is likely to be concentrated in a few specific areas that will experience higher winds than others, including parts of the 5 Freeway corridor in northern L.A. County, especially around the Grapevine, and in southern Santa Barbara County.
For most of the region, though, winds should stay fairly mild.
Dangerous beach conditions
Southern Californians also have to contend with some ocean-specific risks this week.
Forecasters expect dangerously large waves and strong rip currents to hit the coastline at a time when the heat may drive more people to the beach. The conditions are expected to persist through the weekend.
If you decide to head to the beach, it’s a good idea to ask a lifeguard for advice on the conditions before entering the water. It’s also recommended to swim only near occupied lifeguard stands, stay off of rock jetties and avoid turning your back to the waves.
South-facing stretches of coastline will bear the brunt of the swell, which is being driven by two tropical storms churning hundreds of miles away in the Pacific Ocean.
“Those two systems generated the winds and the waves locally that are pushing towards us, and so that's creating elevated surf and some stronger currents than normal,” Kittel said.
The swell is not expected to cause significant coastal flooding as high tides remain relatively low.
Free transportation to the Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area swim beach will be available this week as East LA families continue to seek relief from another heat wave and the aftermath of the Lineage warehouse fire.
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Jackie Ramirez
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Boyle Heights Beat
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Topline:
Free transportation to the Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area swim beach will be available this week as East LA families continue to seek relief from another heat wave and the aftermath of the Lineage warehouse fire.
Why now: More than a month after the Lineage Logistics warehouse fire, many residents continue to report persistent odors from rotting food and cleanup efforts. Because of the ongoing air quality concerns and community complaints, Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation has canceled its local aquatic programming.
Free rides begin Wednesday: Los Angeles County is offering complimentary transportation Wednesday through Saturday to the Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area Swim Beach in Irwindale. Pickup locations are at select Eastside parks.
Read on . . . for more information on the free shuttle services, schedules and more.
Free transportation to the Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area swim beach will be available this week as East LA families continue to seek relief from another heat wave and the aftermath of the Lineage warehouse fire.
Los Angeles County is offering complimentary transportation Wednesday through Saturday at select Eastside parks so residents can enjoy a day at the lake at no cost.
More than a month after the Lineage Logistics warehouse fire, many residents continue to report persistent odors from rotting food and cleanup efforts. Because of the ongoing air quality concerns and community complaints, Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation has canceled its local aquatic programming.
To ensure families still have access to summer recreational activities, Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis directed resources toward providing the “beach bus” program to Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area Swim Beach in Irwindale.
Read below for more information on the free shuttle services, schedules and more.
Pickup locations
Belvedere Aquatic Center
5035 1st St. East Los Angeles, CA 90022
Obregon Park Pool
4021 1st St. Los Angeles, CA 90063
Salazar Park Pool
3864 Whittier Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90023
City Terrace Park Pool
1126 N. Hazard Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90063
Shuttle dates and times
Wednesday, July 22
Thursday, July 23
Friday, July 24
Saturday, July 25
Morning trip:
Check in at 8:30 a.m.
The bus departs East LA at 9 a.m.
The bus leaves Santa Fe Dam to go back to East LA at 12 p.m.
Afternoon trip:
Check in at 12:30 p.m.
The bus departs East LA at 1 p.m.
The bus leaves Santa Fe Dam to go back to East LA at 4 p.m.
What to know
No registration or proof of address is required, but children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Bring your own food and drinks. Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
