July 1st marks a crucial milestone in the effort to save the endangered California Condor. A new law goes into effect, making it illegal to hunt with lead bullets in the Los Padres National Forest. AB 821, the Ridley-Tree Condor Preservation Act, requires hunters to use lead-free, copper-tipped bullets instead, that "mushroom" on impact. Since condors are scavengers and only eat carrion, carcasses containing led bullets were a key culprit in condor deaths. The legislation was authored by Assemblymember Pedro Nava. It is somewhat controversial because hunters argue, lead-free bullets are more expensive and not as precise. Violators face fines ranging from $500 to $5,000, and six months in jail.