ASA CA Wekkly Alert from 10/20

*Weekly Roundup*

1) Court of Appeals Decision, Raid Watch & Election Voting Guide
*
ASA Chapter Meetings*

2) Saturday, October 21st, Hollywood: Los Angeles ASA Meeting
3) Tuesday, October 24th, San Francisco: SF ASA Meeting
4) Wednesday, October 26th, Oakland: East Bay ASA Meeting & FREE Legal Training (Town
Hall Postponed)
5) Thursday, October 26th, Sacramento: Sac ASA Meeting
6) Thursday, November 2nd, Guerneville: Sonoma ASA Meeting
7) Saturday, November 4th, Modesto: Central Valley Patients Coalition Meeting

*City & County Hearings*

8) Tuesday, October 24th, Modesto: Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors to Discuss
Medical Marijuana ID Cards
9) Thursday, October 25th, San Francisco: The Green Cross Appeals Hearing
10) Monday, November 6th, Lawndale: City Council to Hold Final Vote on Dispensary
Regulations

*Court Support
*
11) Wednesday, October 25th, San Francisco: Status Conference for Ed Rosenthal & Rick
Watts
12) Monday, October 30th, Santa Rosa: Marvin's Gardens Return of Property Hearing
13) Tuesday, November 7th, Fresno: Trial for Dustin Costa Begins

*Special Events*

14) Friday, October 27th, San Diego: "Thrive to Survive" San Diego ASA Benefit
15) Friday, October 27th: 420 Report Radio Show Hosted by Ed Rosenthal
16) Sat-Sun, October 28th-29th, San Francisco: Wonders of Cannabis Festival
17) Tuesday, October 31st, San Diego: Patients Protest DEA Raids Outside of DEA
Anti-Medical Marijuana Conference
18) Tuesday, October 31st, Hollywood: Spooky Train Halloween Party ASA Benefit
19) Saturday, November 4th, San Francisco: Prop 215 10th Anniversary Celebration

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*Weekly Roundup*
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* 1) Court of Appeals Decision, Raid Watch & Election Voting Guide*

/Court of Appeals Overturns Caregiver's Sentence in Santa Cruz/
*
*On Wednesday, the District 6 Court of Appeals overturned a lower court conviction in the
case of Robert Mentch, director or the Hemporium, a medical marijuana delivery service.
On June 6th 2003, the home of Roger Mentch was raided by the Santa Cruz County Sheriffs
drug task force. In August 2005, Mentch was again raided by the Marijuana Enforcement
Team. In a whopping victory for medical cannabis providers, Justice Franklin Elia
presented a ruling which stated that the jury should have been allowed to hear evidence
that Mentch was a legal caregiver. Previously, caregivers have been compelled to present
evidence of helping their patients in "housing, health & or safety," resulting in a wide
scope of interpretation by the state's lower courts.

Mentch suffers from pain due to compressed lumbar fractures, colitis and PTSD. As part of
his service, he provided in home care to two disabled patients.


/Raid Watch

/In another cowardly action by the DEA, local and federal agents stormed the Green Cross,
a medical cannabis collective in Torrance, yesterday. Reporting "weeks" of investigation,
local law enforcement agents claimed that this was not an act of retaliation on the part
of the city, which had made an aggressive attempt at banishing the collective. The Green
Cross had obtained a retail sales permit, much to the chagrin of the city council, who
thereafter sought to impose a ban on issuing licenses to business which do not abide by
"state and federal law." The Green Cross would have been forced to close at the end of
the year, at which time their permit would have expired.

In a sloppy attempt to continue the "this is not medical marijuana" message, law
enforcement cited police surveillance of the collective as substantiating the need for
federal intervention. On October 10th, officers pulled over 25 patients leaving the
collective for questions. One of the patients who was pulled over called the ASA office
and reported the incident. The patient, an older brain cancer survivor, who did not want
to be named for privacy reasons, reported scolding the officers for pulling her over and
inducing a spasm attack. Contrary to her reports, Special Agent Joseph Bryson wrote in
an affidavit used to acquire the federal search warrant, "Of the 15 customers I observed,
none appeared to be seriously ill or physically impaired."

In response to this raid and continued DEA raids, ASA is organizing a protest on October
31st outside of a DEA convention in San Diego. Please scroll down for further details.
/

Elections on November 7th - Don't Forget to Vote!/

The elections are fast approaching, and it is important for medical cannabis advocates to
vote. Make sure to find out where your voting place is, and make some time to vote on
election day.

The Drug Policy Forum of California has compiled a California Voters' Guide to the 2006
Elections on Marijuana & Drug Policy Issues. While this guide covers broad drug policy
issues, it does significantly cover medical marijuana issues. Please download the guide
at http://drugsense.org/dpfca/ElectionGuide2006_11.pdf

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*ASA Chapter Meetings*
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*
2) Saturday, October 21st, Hollywood: Los Angeles ASA Meeting*

1pm - 3pm @ California Patients Group
6208 Santa Monica Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90038

For more info, please call LA ASA: (323) 464-7719

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*3) Tuesday, October 24th, San Francisco: SF ASA Meeting*

California Marijuana Party "Activist Resource Center"

7:00pm
223a 9th St. @ Howard
San Francisco, CA. 94103

Come show your support at this critical time in medical cannabis history.

Tony Bowles
ASA-SF Chapter Contact: 415-283-7404

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*4) Wednesday, October 26th, Oakland: East Bay ASA Meeting & FREE Legal Training (Town
Hall Postponed)*

Join East Bay ASA for a FREE legal training lead by ASA staff. Learn your rights and get
involved with medical marijuana activism in the East Bay! (The Town Hall has been
postponed until November, due to capacity issues.)

* Wednesday, October 25th @ 7 pm*

Oakland Cannabis Buyers' Cooperative
1734 Telegraph (back entrance), Downtown Oakland
Just a couple blocks from the 19th Street BART station!

For more information or to get involved, contact Rebecca: Rebecca [at] SafeAccessNow.org or
510-251-1856 x 308

Please spread the word and pass this on to your East Bay neighbors!

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*
5) Thursday, October 26th, Sacramento: Sac ASA Meeting*

Sacramento ASA has begun meeting again and they're busy strategizing on ways to effect
local, state and national policies.

The Sacramento medical marijuana community was once extremely active with Americans for
Safe Access. Sac ASA met
regularly, organized a huge rally for Bryan Epis at the Capitol, and did all they could
to protect patients' rights. Patients and advocates in the Sacramento area are coming
together again to reinvigorate ASA. Please join them at their bi-weekly meetings:

Thursday @ 6:00 p.m.
!Pura Vida! (next to the Capitol Wellness Collective)
2400 14th Street, Sacramento

All are welcome. This is a great opportunity to get involved with ASA and to work on both
local
and national campaigns.

For more information, please call 916-325-9000.

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*6) Thursday, November 2nd, Guerneville: Sonoma ASA Meeting*

When: Thursday at 7:30pm
Where: Marvin's Gardens 15025 River Road (towards Guerneville)

Come check out Sonoma's chapter of American's for Safe Access. We've got a lot to go over
this month, dispensary
regulations and plant guidelines are being discussed county wide. Patients, supporters,
caregivers and friends are
welcome to come share their opinions on what should happen locally. More info 707-332-6556

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*
7) Saturday, November 4th, Modesto: Central Valley Patients Coalition Meeting*

Please join central valley patients and supporters to help plan and strategize for the
defense of patients rights in Stanislaus County, Merced County, and beyond! Agenda items
will include: The recent raid in Modesto, court support, letters to the editor, safe
access, and more. The CVPC meets on the first Saturday of each month, at 9:00 AM.

New Location: These meetings will now be held at 1009 Bingham Dr., Modesto, CA, 95350.
Directions:
http://www.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=1009+Bingham+Dr,+modesto+ca&ie=UTF8&z=15&om=1&iwloc=A

For additional information, contact Shirley Cox, Public Relations Officer for the Central
Valley Patients Coalition: shirley [at] CompassionateCoalition.org

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*City & County Hearings
*
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*
8) Tuesday, October 24th, Modesto: Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors to Discuss
Medical Marijuana ID Cards*

Next Tuesday, October 24, the Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors will be conducting a
hearing on the implementation of the medical marijuana ID card program. The Board will be
deciding whether or not to implement this important program designed to protect patients
from detainment, arrest or seizure of their medicine by state and local law enforcement.

The ID cards would be voluntary for patients and caregivers to obtain through the county
and are accepted throughout the state. Approval of this program would be a major step in
the right direction towards securing safe and legal access to medical marijuana in
Stanislaus County. With your help, we can ensure that the Board of Supervisors votes to
uphold state law and protect local patients.

It's very important that we fill the board chambers with patients and advocates backing
the program. Please mark your calendars for this important meeting, tentatively scheduled
for the morning of Tuesday, October 24 in Modesto. Details for the meeting time and
location will be sent out within the next few days.

Thank you for expressing your support for safe, legal and hassle-free access to medical
marijuana and the medical marijuana ID card program. Once implemented, not only will it
reduce patients' risk, it will also further strengthen California's decade-old medical
marijuana law.

Sincerely,
Aaron Smith
Safe Access Now
safeaccessnow [at] gmail.com
(707) 291-0076

Tuesday, October 24 -- 10:00am
Board of Supervisors Chambers - Basement Level
1010 Tenth Street
Modesto, CA 95354

Map: http://tinyurl.com/ycv4ks
*
*
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*
**9) Thursday, October 25th, San Francisco: The Green Cross Appeals Hearing*

WHERE: City Hall, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place San Francisco Room 416
WHEN: Thursday @ 5 p.m.
WHY: The Green Cross was a collective that offered low cost medicine, community services,
and worked with city officials to navigate through the complex set of regulations we have
in the city. The local neighborhood council, chock full of "not in my back yard" wealthy
homeowners, successfully launched a witch hunt against the collective, resulting in the
eventual displacement of their lower Mission location and, more recently, the media
sensationalism around their new location near the waterfront. Please come show your
support and help turn the tide in favor of safe access in San Francisco.

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*
10) Monday, November 6th, Lawndale: City Council to Hold Final Vote on Dispensary
Regulations*

WHEN: 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: Council Chamber at Lawndale City Hall, 14717 Burin Avenue, Lawndale
WHY: After receiving an application for a business license for a local collective,
Lawndale city council enacted a moratorium on the establishment of medical marijuana
dispensaries in June, then extended the moratorium until May of next year. The local
medical marijuana community has worked diligently to establish working guidelines to
protect safe access. Please come show support for the establishment of model dispensing
collectives!
*
*For ASA Talking Points on Medical Cannabis dispensary regulations, click here.
<http://www.safeaccessnow.org/article.php?id=2716>

P.S. Kudos to Bob, Trudy & the rest of the Lawndale medical marijuana community for all
their hard work!

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*Court Support
*
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*11) Wednesday, October 25th, San Francisco: Status Conference for Ed Rosenthal & Rick
Watts*

Ed Rosenthal and Rick Watts were arraigned in federal court in San Francisco on Monday
before Magistrate Larson. The government explained its 25-count indictment, which
included charges of manufacture and distribution of marijuana, maintaining a place for
manufacture and distribution, possession for the purpose of distribution, conspiracy,
money laundering, and tax evasion. Ken Hayes was named in the indictment, but was not
present for the arraignment. The three defendants have different and overlapping charges.
Each of them face life in prison and millions of dollars in fines. Both defendants
present pleaded not guilty.

Wednesday @ 2:15
Federal Building in San Francisco
450 Golden Gate Avenue
Judge Breyer

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*12) Monday, October 30th, Santa Rosa: Marvin's Gardens Return of Property Hearing*

WHEN: 8:30 a.m.
WHERE: Courtroom 14, Hall of Justice 600 Administration Drive Santa Rosa
WHY: Last March, the Sonoma County sheriff raided a collective garden supplying Marvins
Gardens. The medicine was then destroyed, citing fear of the medicine "self combusting"
in the locker room. All charges have been dropped, but the collective is still fighting
for the motion for the return of their illegally confiscated property.

For more information, please contact 707-869-1291

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*
13) Tuesday, November 7th, Fresno: Trial for Dustin Costa Begins*

Medical marijuana patient and caregiver Dustin Costa (a.k.a. "DC Greenhouse"), who is
president of the Merced Patients Group, was being prosecuted on state charges stemming
from a March 2004 cultivation arrest by Merced County Sheriffs. After 18 months of state
court proceedings, the Merced District Attorney turned his case over to the U.S. Attorney
for federal prosecution. After being re-arrested by federal agents on August 10, 2005,
Costa is facing federal charges of cultivation, possession with intent to distribute, and
possession of a firearm.

Costa is scheduled to go to trial on November 7. The first day is likely to entail only
jury selection with the following day (11/8) likely to be the first day of trial.

Next week, we will be posting more detailed information, including the time of the trial.

Judge Anthony W. Ishii
U.S. District Court
2500 Tulare Street
Fresno, CA

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*Special Events*
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*
**14) Friday, October 27th, San Diego: "Thrive to Survive" San Diego ASA Benefit*

San Diego ASA is hosting "Thrive to Survive" a benefit for the local Campaign for Safe
Access at the Rhythm Lounge, 3048 Midway drive. Playing Reggae, Rock and Southern
Blues.Sponsored by Green Therapy, a comical support group for medical cannabis
http://www.greentherapy.com. MC of the night will be Howard Dover.

8pm-2am
21 and over, please.

For more info, call (619) 723-6572

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*15) Friday, October 27th: 420 Report Radio Show Hosted by Ed Rosenthal*

The 420 Report airs on KPFA - 94.1 FM http://www.kpfa.org/archives/
Noon --1:00pm

The show features cannabis news, interviews with activists and policy makers, and musical
insights from Ed Rosenthal. Call in comments are welcomed.

For anyone who cannot tune in on Friday, you can still hear the show online at kpfa.org.
Also the show will be archived at http://www.kpfa.org under "Livingroom."

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*
16) Sat-Sun, October 28th-29th, San Francisco: Wonders of Cannabis Festival*

San Francisco- Halloween weekend, Golden Gate Park's Hall of Flowers will be the scene of
the second annual Wonders of Cannabis Festival. Join host and international marijuana
guru Ed Rosenthal as he showcases cannabis culture and celebrates the marijuana/hemp
plant from 11 AM to 7 PM on Saturday and Sunday, October 28 - 29, 2006.

This indoor/outdoor, two-stage San Francisco trick-or-treat will be overflowing with live
music, DJs, dancers, comedians, speakers, drum circles, slam poetry, auctions and
contests. The giant exhibit hall features demonstrations, films, food, graffiti,
magicians, medical consultants, massage, and more!

All Wonders of Cannabis proceeds benefit the local non-profit groups Cannabis Action
Network (CAN) and Green Aid. For over a decade, CAN has educated cannabis consumers about
their constitutional rights. Green Aid is a medical marijuana legal defense and education
fund dedicated to protecting patients.

Tickets are $20 and weekend passes, group rates and sponsorship packages are available.
Must be 18 years old to attend.

For more information, please visit http://www.wondersofcannabis.com

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*17) Tuesday, October 31st, San Diego: Patients Protest DEA Raids Outside of DEA
Anti-Medical Marijuana Conference*

Medical cannabis (marijuana) patients and advocates will protest outside a DEA
anti-medical marijuana conference in San Diego on Tuesday, October 31, at 12:00 PM. The
peaceful protest is in response to recent DEA raids of medical cannabis
collectives in San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and elsewhere. DEA Administrator
Karen Tandy and the Regional DEA Directors will be present at the conference on October
31.

This is an opportunity to let Administrator Tandy and the DEA know that California will
not tolerate federal raids on collectives and cooperatives that are in compliance with
our state law. We need every patient and advocate to attend this protest. Your voice does
make a difference. Bring signs, organize a carpool, and invite all your friends!

Stand Up to the DEA!
Tuesday, October 31, 2006 * 12:00 PM
Marriott Mission Valley
8757 Rio San Diego Dr.
San Diego, CA 92108-1620

There will be an organizational meeting the night before in San Diego. Call (619)
723-6572 or (323) 464-7719 for information. Reply to this message for flyers and posters.

To find out what else you can do to stop the federal assault on medical cannabis, visit
http://www.safeaccessnow.org/

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*
18) Tuesday, October 31st, Hollywood: Spooky Train Halloween Party ASA Benefit*

Festivities include....
Live music by spooky train DJs
Ring Master Ngaio
Tarot readings
Illusionist
Carnival games
Prizes
Snacks
Drinks
Costume prizes

9:00 p.m. @ California Patients Group
6208 Santa Monica Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90038

$30 or $50 for duo. Patients only!

For more info, please call LA ASA: (323) 464-7719

Tickets sold at:

LAPCG: (323) 882-6033
CPG: (323) 464-7052
The Higher Path: (213) 484-1001
Earth Collective: (323) 668-7633
CCSC: (818) 506-7207

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*19) Saturday, November 4th, San Francisco: Prop 215 10th Anniversary Celebration

*WHEN: 7:00-10:00 p.m.
WHERE: San Francisco Gay Community Center 1800 Market St. @ Octavia

Join Dennis Peron, Tod Mikuriya, Dale Gieringer & friends in celebrating the tenth year
of California's Compassionate Use Act with the original crew who helped bring it about
it, thanks to your and the voters' support for Californians' right to medicine./

/Free Entertainment & Food
For more information, click here.
<http://oaksterdamnews.com/WebCalendar/view_entry.php?id=383&date=20061104>

--
Alex Franco
California Campaign Coordinator
Americans for Safe Access
Phone: 510-251-1856 x321
Fax: 510-251-2036
Email: alex [at] SafeAccessNow.org