ASA California Weekly Alert: 2-13-2009

Weekly Round Up
1. Advocates Meet with LA City Council Member to Contest Proposed Ordinance
2. Coachella Moratorium Set to Expire, Council Draws Plans for Dispensary Ban

Chapter and Affiliate Meetings
3. Tuesday, February 17th – Sacramento: ASA Affiliate Compassionate Coalition
4. Wednesday, February 18th – Fullerton: Orange County ASA Meeting
5. Saturday, February 21st – Los Angeles: L.A. ASA Meeting

6. Tuesday, February 24th - San Francisco: SF ASA Meeting
7. Wednesday, February 25th - Oakland: East Bay ASA Meeting

City and County Hearings
8. Wednesday, February 18th - Palm Springs: City Council to Consider Dispensary Ordinance

Court Support
9. Monday, February 23rd - Los Angeles: Protest to Support Charles Lynch Against Federal Injustice

Special Events
10. Saturday February 14th - San Francisco: Spread the Love Valentine Seed Planting
11. Saturday February 14th - Sebastopol: Valentine’s Day Heart Party!
12. Saturday February 14th - Sacramento: Gardening, Work day & BBQ at the Freedom House in Sacramento
13. Saturday February 14th - Berkeley : Natural Remedies Health Services Presents:
14. Sunday February 15th - San Francisco: Celebrating the History of 215: with Denis Peron featuring an unreleased documentary & local Medical Cannabis films.
15. Monday February 16th - Sacramento: Medical Marijuana Art show & Informational Nights.
16. Tuesday February 17th - Berkeley: Book signing and talk with Doug McVay author of Drug War Facts at BPG
17. Tuesday February 17th - San Francisco: CCA Party!
18. Tuesday, February 17th San Diego: San Diego Protest  Against Local Raids!  “A walk towards freedom”
19. Wednesday February 18th - Oakland: Medical Marijuana University 6pm-9pm
20. Thursday February 19th - Oakland: ASA Organizers Training and Open House
21. Friday February 20th - Oakland: Movie Night at Oaksterdam Student Union
22. Saturday February 21st - Los Angeles: LA-ASA Meeting & Activist Training
23. Sunday February 22nd - Oakland: East Bay Medical Cannabis Activists Mixer
24. Wednesday, March 11th - Riverside County AIDS Conference to Include Medical Cannabis Panel

Weekly Round Up

1. Advocates Meet with LA City Council Member to Contest Proposed Ordinance

The Los Angeles City Attorney issued a revised version of the proposed ordinance regulating medical cannabis dispensing collectives this week. However, the newest version of the draft ordinance changed little from the one published just hours before January's Planning and Land Use Management Committee (PLUM) meeting, to which there was community opposition. 


Patients and advocates who served on the city's working group and other community members joined LA Councilmember Dennis Zine in rejecting the City Attorney's draft and calling on the committee to request a new ordinance incorporating the working group's input.  Many provisions in the draft ordinance are problematic, including those which ban edibles and concentrates (both legal under California law), require disclosure of patient data, and seek to exclude storefront collectives from locating within the city with requirements more stringent than those applied to liquor stores or strip clubs, and despite being recognized as legal by California Attorney General Jerry Brown.  In addition, the City Attorney's draft ordinance is based on faulty assumptions about medical cannabis law and patients' associations.

The City Attorney insists that sales of medical cannabis and storefront facilities that provide it on behalf of legal patients' collectives and cooperatives are illegal. As a result of this outdated and incorrect opinion, the City Attorney developed a draft ordinance that seeks to regulate the collective cultivation of medical cannabis, instead of the storefront facilities from which medicine is provided.   In August of 2008, the California Attorney General published guidelines that make it clear that patient collectives and cooperatives are legal. Section IV(C)(1) of the Guidelines specifically recognizes that legal collectives and cooperatives may maintain storefronts to provide medicine to members.
 
Dozens of cities and counties in California have already adopted guidelines regulating storefront facilities, and none have seen negative legal consequences as a result of exercising their right and responsibility to enact sensible regulations. In fact, research and experience shows that jurisdictions that adopt regulations have fewer complaints and less crime surrounding facilities. 

Advocates met with LA City Councilmember Ed Reyes and city staff to discuss the City Attorney's draft. As Chairman of the PLUM Committee, Reyes will have a tremendous impact on whether the committee forwards the flawed ordinance to the full City Council or sends it back to staff for more work. Councilmember Reyes made no decision based on the meeting, but promised to confer with city staff before the issue comes back to the Committee later this month.  Community members must continue to let Councilmembers Reyes and Huizar on the PLUM Committee know that we do not support the City Attorney¹s draft ordinance! There is as yet no commitment that the committee will reject this unworkable ordinance.

2. Coachella Moratorium Set to Expire, Council Draws Plans for Dispensary Ban

A moratorium in the City of Coachella which prohibits medical cannabis dispensing collectives is set to expire this Saturday.  To respond to the expiring moratorium, Coachella City staff is preparing an ordinance that would altogether prohibit the collectives from operating within the city. On Monday, the City Council met to discuss, and recommended that staff prepare the ordinance.  Once drafted, the ordinance would go before the Coachella Planning Commission and then the City Council for final approval.

All those who live in the area should be aware that the City is seeking to prohibit dispensaries, and contact their elected officials to oppose the ban.

Chapter and Affiliate Meetings

3. Tuesday, February 17th – Sacramento: ASA Affiliate Compassionate Coalition

WHEN: Tuesday, February 17th  – 7pm
WHERE:: 320 Harris Avenue, Suite H
                Sacramento, CA

Sacramento ASA chapters and affiliates played an instrumental role in getting the County to implement the state ID card program.  Join the efforts to make an impact. For more info, contact: [email protected]

4. Wednesday, February 18th – Fullerton: Orange County ASA Meeting

WHEN: Wednesday, February 18th – 7:00pm
WHERE: 922 Williamson Ave,
                Fullerton, CA 92832

Activity in Orange County is always exciting, and there is much need for patient support and protections.  For more info contact Cha Hanna: [email protected]

5. Saturday, February 21st – Los Angeles: L.A. ASA Meeting

WHEN: Saturday, February 21st – 1pm
WHERE: @ Patient ID Center, 470 S. San Vicente Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90048 (at Drexel, between Wilshire & 3rd St.)

LA ASA is one of the most respected chapters in the state, and sees success regularly at any number of actions.  They've organized major protests and succeeded in lobbying for patient support from major elected officials.  For more info, contact: [email protected]

6. Tuesday February 24th - San Francisco:  SF-ASA Meeting

Join us Tuesday February 24th starting at 7:30 pm for the SF-ASA chapter meeting.   We'll be at Bowzers Pizza:  371 11th Street (between Folsom & Harrison)  in San Francisco. There's a lot happening this year and we want you to be a part of it.  Please come enjoy dinner, updates from ASA, and get involved in your medical cannabis community.  Feel free to bring a friend or family member.  We look forward to seeing you there.

For more information, contact:  David at [email protected] or [email protected]

7. Wednesday, February 25th - Oakland: East Bay ASA Meeting

Please come and join the East Bay ASA crew as we discuss constructing a new ordinance for Alameda County dispensaries, and learn about other happenings in the East Bay.

When: Wednesday, February 25th @ 7pm  (Please arrive promptly, as the doors lock after 7:10 pm)
Where: ASA Headquarters Office
            1322 Webster Street, Suite 402, Downtown Oakland

For more information, contact George: 510-251-1856 x. 321 or [email protected]

City and County Hearings

8. Wednesday, February 18th - Palm Springs: City Council to Consider Dispensary Ordinance

The Palm Springs City Council will soon vote on a whether to allow a medical cannabis dispensing collective ordinance.

WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 18 at 6 p.m.
WHERE: Palm Springs City Hall,
                3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way (corner of El Cielo and Tahquitz Canyon - across from Palm Springs International Airport)
                Palm Springs 92262

If passed, this ordinance will make Palm Springs the first city in Riverside County to allow for the operation of dispensaries. Although seven dispensaries are now operating in Palm Spring, the ordinance will allow for the operation of only two collectives in Industrial/Warehouse zones. That means at least five of them will close. Although the city will seek civil injunctions to close any collective that is not licensed by the city, it is not expected that any actions will be taken until after the two collectives chosen are open and operating.

Please come down to show your support for the ordinance.  The ordinance also only allows collectives with four members or less to be exempt from the ordinance, reduced from six. There will be an effort to increase this to the original number, and  so please come by to show your support.  For the Inland Empire, this is an historic event - so come and down and show your support and be able to tell your grandkids you were there!

Thanks to Lanny Swerdlow for this report.

Court Support

 9. Monday, February 23rd - Los Angeles: Protest to Support Charles Lynch Against Federal Injustice

WHEN: Monday, February 23, 2009 at 8:30am
WHERE:  U.S. District Courthouse, Courtroom 10
    312 NORTH Spring street (at Temple St)
    In downtown LA

San Luis Obispo County dispensing collective operator Charles C. Lynch was raided by the DEA and the San Luis Obispo County Sheriffs on March 29, 2007 at Central Coast Compassionate Caregivers (CCCC) in Morro Bay, CA. Lynch's dispensing collective stringently followed state, county and city medical cannabis regulations since it opened in April 2006.

The City of Morro Bay was supportive, issued a business license for a "'Medical Marijuana Dispensary" and a Cannabis Nursery Permit after a lengthy conditional use permit process. CCCC operated for nearly a year without incident until the the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff called the DEA to raid the dispensary on March 29, 2007, leaving behind a note for Lynch which read "All Hippies Die". Lynch was not arrested at the time and reopened with the blessing of his landlord and Morro Bay city officials. However, DEA then threatened to seize the property and prosecute Lynch's landlord  if he refused to evict CCCC from his building.  CCCC closed its doors on May 16, 2007.

On July 17, 2007, the DEA and local sheriffs arrested Lynch in his home and locked him up for 4 days in federal detention before his family poseted $400,000 bail. Lynch was indicted for conspiracy to possess and possession with intent to distribute marijuana and concentrated cannabis, manufacturing (cultivating) more than 100 plants, knowingly maintaining a drug premises, and sales of marijuana to a person under the age of 21. Additionally, criminal forfeiture proceedings have begun on all of Lynch’s assets.

On August 5, 2008, after an emotional trial in which the defense was not allowed to give any evidence whatsoever about medical cannabis, Lynch's business license, or California state law, Lynch was convicted on all counts. Drew Carey’s account of Lynch’s struggle with the federal government on Reason.tv helped the case to recieve national media attention.

For more information and to give money, assistance, and support, visit www.friendsofccl.com or write to Judge Wu directly to plead for Charlie's freedom. Letters of support helped Tainted operator Mickey Martin receive a relatively light sentence, so we need to show the same support for Charles Lynch.

Special Events

Medical Marijuana Week 2009 Starts Tomorrow!

10. Saturday February 14th - San Francisco: Spread the Love Valentine Seed Planting

WHERE: Meet in Golden Gate Park at Hippie Hill in San Francisco
WHEN: High Noon, 2:15 Potluck Picnic.

Please join us for this annual seed planting event!  We'll be providing hemp seeds and snacks for everyone to share. Feel free to bring a friend and everyone loves to bring a plant to leave in the park.

11. Saturday February 14th - Sebastopol: Valentine’s Day Heart Party! 

WHEN: Noon – 4 pm.
WHERE:  Peace in Medicine 6771 Sebastopol Avenue, Sebastopol.

Come on in for an afternoon of special treats, and stay for the drinks provided by Guayaki! Get ideas for a healthier heart and learn some fun heart wise ideas. Also take advantage of the FREE Blood Pressure clinic, and appreciate the Valentine art projects and more!

12. Saturday February 14th - Sacramento: Gardening, Work day & BBQ at the Freedom House in Sacramento

WHEN:  Saturday, Feb. 14th @ 12-5pm,
WHERE: 3650 6th Avenue.
                Sacrarmento, CA

Join us at a gathering to rehabilitate the Freedom house, a safe, friendly atmosphere for patients to live in at no cost. Its an incredible event to benefit the patients in most dire need.  We could really use your time, energy, donations of materials, and your love. Come together for a great time, give of yourself to your community and enjoy the BBQ provided by Capital Wellness Collective!

13. Saturday February 14th - Berkeley : Natural Remedies Health Services Presents:

Tosh Meets Marley Celebration Tour with Fully Fullwood Band -  hosted by DJ Irie Dole
Celebrate Valentines Day Reggae style! Come enjoy a live band and DJ’s with great music and good fun!  Valentine or No Valentine!
WHERE: Gaia Arts Center 2120 Allston Way in Berkeley,
WHEN: 8pm & 10pm shows

$25, $22 in advance through pay pall 510-444-5771. Free gift to first 200 guests. A portion of the proceeds are going to ASA.

14. Sunday February 15th - San Francisco: Celebrating the History of 215: with Denis Peron featuring an unreleased documentary & local Medical Cannabis films.

Come join us at the Castro Cozy Cottage for an afternoon learning about the medical cannabis movement here in SF. Hear Denis Peron speak, watch an unreleased documentary on Dr. Tod Mirkuriya, and short films on local SF dispensaries. Bring your bathing suit for a jump in the garden hot tub!
WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 15th @ 4:20pm
WHERE: 3745 17th Street in San Francisco

15. Monday February 16th - Sacramento: Medical Marijuana Art show & Informational Nights.

Occuring daily through February 20th, and open from 4-6pm at The Brick House 2837 36th Street in Sacramento.

Come check out the art work on display, done by patients at Capital Wellness Collective. Themes of love, compassion, and medical cannabis are present in the pieces.

16. Tuesday February 17th - Berkeley: Book signing and talk with Doug McVay author of Drug War Facts at BPG

WHEN: Tuesday, February 17th @ 4:20pm.
WHERE: At Berkeley Patients Group 2747 San Pablo Avenue in Berkeley.

Come learn about the history of the drug war, where we currently stand, how we got medical cannabis and what direction our cannabis industry is headed. Activist and writer Doug McVay has spent more than two decades championing the truth about marijuana and other drug policies in the U.S. and beyond. Author of the invaluable manual "Drug War Facts," Doug has an encyclopedic knowledge of the facts and figures involved in the War on Drugs, and a wealth of first-hand experiences working to change our nation's unjust policies. Join us as Doug shares his experiences and offers his predictions for what's in store for the nation under the new administration!

Verifiable patients & Caregivers only, please bring valid ID.

17. Tuesday February 17th - San Francisco: CCA Party!

WHEN: Tuesday, February 17th starting @ 4:20
WHERE: 2007 16th Street in San Francisco.

California Caregivers Alliance is hosting a party at Il Pirata! The party is FREE and everyone’s welcome!  Come get down to good music, enjoy great food, and learn from booths and medical cannabis info and speakers. DJ Allier will be spinning and hosting karaoke! 

After 9pm attendees must be 21 with valid ID.

18. Tuesday, February 17th San Diego: San Diego Protest  Against Local Raids!  “A walk towards freedom”

What: Demanding an end to the government’s irrational lack of lawful policies which leads to an enormous waste of money, time, and energy, and the needless suffering of many.  We will walk from the San Diego County Board of Supervisors meeting to the San Diego City Council and finally to meet with Bonnie M. Dumanis, San Diego County’s District Attorney.
How: A peaceful demonstration through the power structure of San Diego.
Why:  Our society cannot afford the status quo. To end the fear of our government not following the law.
When: Tuesday 2/17 – Starting at 8:30am - @ 1-2pm.

Regulate and tax – We will bring a giant bank check on the march, to symbolize the money saved and the money earned when the Government follows the law and sets a clear and proper policy to help the medical cannabis community. A policy brought together in the light of day; through the health community, government institutions , law enforcement agencies, and patients concerns.

The  “Ground Hog Day 2/2 Raids” are the latest example of government’s irrational lack of lawful policies which leads to an enormous waste of money, time, and energy, and the needless suffering of many.  The sting, by District Attorney Bonnie M. Dumanis, was called “Operation Endless Summer”.

Here is a link to an article about it. 

We demand CHANGE!  Contact Dion - [email protected]

19. Wednesday February 18th - Oakland: Medical Marijuana University 6pm-9pm

WHEN: Wednesday, February 18th
WHERE: 1776 Broadway in Oakland

Come sit in on an evening of free education, come learn how to deal with law enforcement encounters with ASA's Know Your Rights Team, Cannabis 101 with Ed Rosenthal, and an hour on the law.   Hosted at Oaksterdam University

20. Thursday February 19th - Oakland: ASA Organizers Training and Open House

WHEN: Thursday, February 19th @ 5-7pm
WHERE: 1322 Webster Street #402, Oakland.

Come participate in an organizers training @ 4pm  and l earn the basics of how to facilitate a meeting, plan an emergency response, and generally how to get active with ASA.
Open House is from 5-7pm - Check out the ASA office, meet the staff, and learn more about how you can support ASA's campaigns, including opportunities to take action at the ASA Office!

21. Friday February 20th - Oakland: Movie Night at Oaksterdam Student Union

WHEN: Friday, February 20th @ 7pm,
WHERE: 1915 Broadway in Oakland, FREE

Sit in on free screenings of the films: In Pot We Trust and Marijuana Nation.

22. Saturday February 21st - Los Angeles: LA-ASA Meeting & Activist Training

WHEN: Saturday, February 21 at 1:00 PM
WHERE: Patient ID Center, 470 S. San Vicente Blvd., LA
Get the skills you need to be effective in the grassroots campaign for safe access in LA

23. Sunday February 22nd - Oakland: East Bay Medical Cannabis Activists Mixer

WHEN: Sunday, February 22nd, 7-10pm
WHERE: At Maxwell's, 341 13th St in Downtown Oakland

Patient Movie Night & Vapor Lounge sponsored by Harborside Health Center
An evening featuring Speakers, ASA Staff, Movie, Music,

Refreshments and Vaporizers! Along with the movie: Waiting to Inhale

$15 at the door. This event is for medical cannabis patients only. It is required to bring a verifiable Recommendation.
Full Bar and house menu also available.

Proceeds of this event are going to be donated to Americans for Safe Access.

24. Wednesday, March 11 - Riverside County AIDS Conference to Include Medical Cannabis Panel

In March, the 5th Annual Riverside County AIDS conference will include a panel on medical cannabis.  It is rare to see a government sponsored AIDS conference host a panel on medical cannabis, as many have been concerned by threats of revoked funding from the federal government  The inclusion of the panel on medical cannabis is an indication that the Riverside Co. Dept. of Public Health recognizes of the importance of cannabis to the health of a significant number of AIDS patients.

The AIDS conference will take place on Wed. March 11 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Morongo Resort Conference Center in Cabazon

The cost is $35 and includes a continental breakfast, buffet lunch, hand out materials and all speakers and panels.

For more information go to www.rivcohivaids.org or call Irma Arrona at 951-358-5307.