ASA California Weekly Alert: 6/15/2007

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ASA California Weekly Alert: June 15, 2007
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*Weekly Round Up*
1. DA Rejects Van Nuys Dispensary Charges, Pomona Raid Update, GLACA
Grants First Accreditations, More Stringent Smoking Bans Threaten Patients

*Take Action!
*2. Are You a Medical Cannabis Patient? We Need Your Input!

*ASA Chapter and Affiliate Meetings*
3. Saturday, June 16, Los Angeles: Los Angeles ASA Meeting
4. Tuesday, June 19, Sacramento: Sacramento ASA Meeting
5. Wednesday, June, 20, Newport Beach: Orange County ASA Meeting
6. Thursday, June 21, Guerneville: Sonoma County ASA Meeting
7. Tuesday, June 26, San Francisco: San Francisco ASA Meeting
***Location Change***
8. Wednesday, June 27, Oakland: East Bay ASA Meeting
9. Thursday, June 28, Clearlake: Lake County ASA Meeting

*City and County Hearings*
10. Tuesday, June 19, Fontana: Planning Commission to Discuss Dispensary
Ordinance.
11. Wednesday, June 20, Ukiah: City Council to Vote on Dispensary Ban
12. Wednesday, June 20, Baldwin Park: City Council Discusses Dispensary
Moratorium

*Court Support*
13. Wednesday, June 20, Burbank: Return of Property Hearing for Peter Keyes
14. Thursday, June 21, Sacramento: Bryan Epis Federal Hearing
15. Friday, June 22, Sacramento: Pre-trial Hearing for Dr. Mollie Fry &
Dale Schafer
16. Friday, June 22, Fresno: Motions Hearing for California Healthcare
Collective

*Special Events*
17. Saturday, June 16, San Diego: San Diego ASA Party
*
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Weekly Round-Up California logo
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*1. DA Rejects Van Nuys Dispensary Charges, Pomona Raid Update, Greater
Los Angeles Caregivers Alliance Grants First Accreditations, More
Stringent Smoking Bans Threaten Patients
*
/DA Rejects Van Nuys Dispensary Charges/

The Los Angeles District Attorney has dropped the case against Van Nuys
dispensary Karma Collective operator, Diana Hahn. Hahn was wrongly
arrested on H&S 11359 Possession for Sale during a burglary
investigation by LAPD on April 27, 2007. When the LAPD initially
responded , it appeared to be a routine burglary investigation. The
burglary investigation eventually turned into a narcotics investigation,
and more and more officers began to arrive. The LAPD originally released
all but two members of the staff, and then released the last staff
member besides who they alleged to be the operator.

Quickly following the raid, ASA representatives met with Head Commanding
Officer of the Van Nuys Division Captain James Miller. The captain
claimed that the main complaint against the Collective was the modest
supply of medicated edibles (or "marijuana-laced food products"
depending on who you ask) the collective had on hand. Hahn was cited
with one public health code violation.

LAPD filed the citation against Hahn to the District Attorney who
rejected the case against Hahn on Tuesday, June 12th.


/Pomona Raid Update

/This Wednesday, federal DEA agents raided the Farm Assist Caregivers
collective in Pomona. DEA agents served federal search warrants, issued
by a local county judge, for both Farm Assist Caregivers and the
operator, David Touhey's, home.

The collective opened it's doors in 2005, but met city resistance in
2006 after a 45-day moratorium on medical cannabis dispensaries was
implemented. Earlier this year in March, the Pomona City Council voted
to shut down the dispensary. The City Attorney was given a court order
to close the dispensary. It is a shame that Farm Assist Caregivers has
been shut down. This will further limit safe access for patients in the
region.
/

Greater Los Angeles Caregivers Alliance Grants First Accreditations
From ASA Southern California Coordinator, Don Duncan

/Safe access to medication reached a quiet milestone this week, when the
Greater Los Angeles Caregivers Alliance (GLACA) announced the
accreditation of five medical cannabis dispensing collectives in Los
Angeles. GLACA, a voluntary association of collectives and
cooperatives, has developed safety and operational standards for members
to protect patients and ensure legal integrity at medical cannabis
facilities.

GLACA members hope the self-regulation model will address community
concerns and keep patients safe, while influencing the city of Los
Angeles to adopt sensible guidelines.

With more than 50 regular members, GLACA is the largest of several
community-based alliances of its kind around California. Attendees at a
symposium for collectives hosted by Americans for Safe Access (ASA) last
December identified self-regulation as a key element in shoring up
support for collectives and prevent a backlash for poorly operated
facilities. Since then, ASA representatives have traveled all over the
state seeding autonomous self-regulation alliances in Sacramento, San
Mateo, Santa Barbara, Orange County, and other locations.

For more information about GLACA, visit http://www.CaregiversAlliance.org

To find out more about organizing local self-regulation alliances,
contact the LA ASA Office at (323) 464-7719 or email Don [at] SafeAccessNow.org

/
More Stringent Smoking Bans Threaten Patients /

Many cities in California have smoking bans for public and private
businesses and parks. This trend has been leading to public discussion
for more stringent indoor and outdoor smoking regulations. The city of
Belmont is considering one of the toughest smoking ordinances which will
implement a smoking law that will be complaint-driven, similar to a
noise ordinance. Meaning, if a tenant is smoking in their private
apartment, their neighbor has the authority to contact law enforcement
and report the person for smoking law violations.

This has the potential to severely limit patients' access to medicating
in their own home. Patients need to be able to ingest medicine in their
homes. Ordinances like could potentially cause a snowball effect in
different cities.

The city of Oakland is considering similar ordinance which will be
discussed on June 26th. According to CA NORML, City Council Member Nancy
Nadel has said that she will try to exempt medical cannabis smokers from
the ordinance. Regardless of your opinion on tobacco smoking in
apartment buildings we encourage activists and members to urge Belmont
and Oakland city council members to exempt medical cannabis smokers in
their smoking bans.


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Take Action! Take a
Closer Look
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*2. Are You a Patient? We Need Your Input!

*In order to better serve you and the movement for safe and legal
access, ASA has put together a Condition-based Union Survey. If you are
a member of an ASA condition-based union, a person who uses medical
marijuana to control or manage symptoms of an illness or injury, a
caregiver, friend, health professional or physician, please take a few
minutes to complete this survey.


Not a member of any of our condition-based union yet? Sign Up Today!


If you have any questions or comments on the survey, please direct them
to our Field Coordinator, Sonnet Seeborg Gabbard at 510-251-1856 x 321
or Sonnet [at] safeaccessnow.org. *

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ASA Chapter and Affiliate Meetings Activist fist*
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*3. Saturday, June 16, Los Angeles: Los Angeles ASA Meeting

*This Saturday will be the June meeting of the LA ASA Chapter. It will be:

Saturday June 16th 1-3 PM
California Patients Group
6208 Santa Monica Blvd @ Vine
Hollywood, CA

There have been many developments in medical cannabis since we last met.

_We will be discussing:_

-LA Regulations Update
-LA County ID Card Update
-Federal Policy Update
-West Hollywood Gay Pride Parade Outreach
-Upcoming Actions
-Status updates on the MMJ POW's

And anything else active patients want to discuss! Remember, we will be
the only ones to create the change that is to come. Get active!*

We hope to see you all there. For more info, call Chris at (323) 464-7719

*
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*4. Tuesday, June 19, Sacramento: Sacramento ASA Meeting
*
Please join Sac ASA to discuss current medical cannabis news, strategize
new campaigns to further safe and legal access for patients, and discuss
other pressing issues in the movement. Bring a friend!

7:00 p.m.
Crusaders Hall
320 Harris Avenue, Suite H
Sacramento, CA

For more information or to get involved, please contact Lanette:
cannacare [at] earthlink.net
*
*
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*5. Wednesday, June 20, Newport Beach: Orange County ASA Meeting

*Come to the OC ASA Meeting to discuss our recent ASA Town Hall meeting.
If you were unable to make it to the Town Hall meeting, please attend
our regular chapter meeting this month. We will begin to implement the
new strategies for safer and legal access to medicine in Orange County.

OC ASA Meeting
7-9 PM
Law Offices of WENTWORTH, PAOLI & PURDY, LLP
4631 Teller Avenue, Suite 100
Newport Beach, CA 92660

For more information, contact Bill: OCLawyer [at] aol.com
*

*
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*6. Thursday, June 21st, Guerneville: Sonoma County ASA Meeting*

When: Thursday from 7pm-9pm
Where: Marvin's Gardens 15025 River Road (towards Guerneville)

Please join Sonoma's chapter of American's for Safe Access. Patients,
supporters, caregivers and friends are welcome to impact safe access for
patients. Please come and share your opinions on what should happen
locally, statewide, and nationally. For more info, 707-332-6556.

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*7. Tuesday, June 26, San Francisco: San Francisco ASA Meeting
***Location Change***
**
*San Francisco ASA will be discussing important dates coming up at this
meeting. The Planning Department will conduct a hearing on the
Dispensary amendments on July 12th, and the legislation will go before
the City Operations and Neighborhood Services Committee on July 26th.
Let's work on getting the best possible regulations out of this process.

* *The next ASA SF meeting will be held on Tuesday June 26th 7:30 to
9:00 at:

Bowzer's Pizza (Note the new location)
371 11th St
San Francisco , CA 94103*

*
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*8. Wednesday, June 27, Oakland: East Bay ASA Meeting*

The East Bay ASA Chapter will be discussing the exciting new ASA
National Campaign, /Fight Gridlock: Demand Research! /We will follow up
discussion by contacting our elected officials and participating in
citizen lobbying. Other agenda items include:
-Court Support update
-Volunteer opportunities
-Local Medical Cannabis issue update
-Bay area Festivals ****Please bring a list of local
festivals in your community*****

Please join us and make your voice heard! Refreshments will be served.

Wednesday, June 27th @ 7 pm

Americans for Safe Access Headquarters
1322 Webster Street, Suite 402, Downtown Oakland
Just a couple blocks from the 12th Street BART station!

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

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*9. Thursday, June 28, Clearlake: Lake County ASA Meeting

*Clearlake and Lake County Medical Cannabis Patients and Caregivers are
gathering to discuss their most recent protests, letters to the editor,
and other exciting activism. Please join us!

June 28th: 6:00pm @ D & M Compassion Center
15196 Lakeshore Dr., Clearlake

For more information, contact Donna: LakeCoASA [at] msn.com

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City and County Hearings Hearings

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*10. **Tuesday, June 19, Fontana: Planning Commission to Discuss
Dispensary Ordinance*

The Fontana Planning Commission is scheduled to meet to discuss a
dispensary ordinance. Planners likely will have a new ordinance ready
for the commission's consideration. It is unclear whether the ordinance
will call for a moratorium or ban. Please come out and show your
support for medical marijuana. Download ASA's talking points on
dispensaries.


Fontana Planning Commission
Tuesday, June 19th at 6:00pm
City Council Chambers
Fontana City Hall
8353 Sierra Ave., Fontana, CA 92335

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*11. Wednesday, June 20, Ukiah: City Council to Vote on Dispensary Ban

*On Wednesday, May 2nd, the Ukiah City Council introduced an ordinance
banning medical cannabis dispensaries. This ordinance will be coming up
for a final vote on Wednesday, June 20th. Please attend this hearing and
speak out for safe access!

Download ASA talking points
on dispensary
regulations, moratoriums and bans.

Wednesday, June 20th @ 6:00pm
City Council Chambers
300 Seminary Ave, Ukiah, CA
*
*
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*12. Wednesday, June 20, Baldwin Park: City Council to Discuss
Dispensary Moratorium

*On June 6th, Baldwin Park City Council Staff submitted a report to
City Council recommending establishing a moratorium on medical marijuana
dispensaries, pending further study and a decision whether to adopt
either an ordinance regulating medical marijuana dispensaries or adopt a
ban on medical marijuana dispensaries.

Please speak out at the hearing and explain to the council how important
safe access is to you!

Download ASA talking points
on dispensary
regulations, moratoriums and bans.

Baldwin Park City Council
June 20th @ 7:00pm
Council Chamber
14403 E. Pacific Avenue
Baldwin Park, CA 91706

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Court Support Patients Rights
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*13. Wednesday, June 20, Burbank: Return of Property Hearing for Peter Keyes

*On Wednesday, June 20, 2007, medicinal cannabis patient/advocate Peter
Keyes will be arguing to get his medical marijuana back at 1:30pm, at
the Burbank Courthouse, 300 East Olive Avenue, first floor, in Burbank,
California.

Peter, a resident of Sacramento, California, had his medicine and pipe
confiscated from him at Burbank's Bob Hope Airport on January 14, 2007,
while attempting to return from the 2nd Statewide Conference of
Americans for Safe Access to Medical Marijuana. Misdemeanor charges
were filed, but were subsequently dismissed on March 7, 2007.

ASA's chief counsel, Joe Elford, has assisted is helping Peter prepare
his motion for return of property illegally seized. ASA is the largest
medicinal cannabis patient's rights organization in the United States.
Peter will be arguing the case himself, with no attorney representing him.

1:30pm at the Burbank Courthouse
300 East Olive Avenue, first floor, in Burbank, California
*
*
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*14. Thursday, June 21, Sacramento: Bryan Epis in Federal Court

*Pre-sentencing evidentiary hearing at 9:30am before Judge Frank C.
Damrell, Jr. in U.S. District Court (E.D., CA), 15th Floor at 501 "I"
Street in Sacramento. Bryan Epis was the first medical marijuana patient
convicted in federal court after the passage of California's Proposition
215. Epis was arrested June 25, 1997, after Butte County sheriff's
officers discovered marijuana plants growing in the basement of his home
in Chico. Epis was released on bail August 9, 2004, pending his appeal,
and is currently awaiting his re-sentencing by the District Court.

The Hearing begins at 9:30 before Judge Frank C. Damrell, Jr.
U.S. District Court, 15th Floor at 501
"I" Street in Sacramento.*

*
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*15. Friday, June 22, Sacramento: Federal Pre-trial Hearing for Dr.
Mollie Fry & Dale Schafer*

Federal Pre-trial hearing for Dr. Mollie Fry and Dale Schafer will be
held on Friday, June 22 in Sacramento. El Dorado County Medical
marijuana physician Mollie Fry and her husband, attorney Dale Schafer,
were arrested as a result of a September 28, 2001 raid on their clinic
in Cool, California, in which patient records were seized. After the
Raich decision, on June 22, 2005, Fry and Schafer were indicted for
marijuana found on the premises during the raid. Fry is also facing a
separate action by the DEA to revoke her license to practice medicine.

Please come and show your support!

Pre-trial begins at 10am before Judge Frank C. Damrell, Jr.
U.S. District Court, 15th Floor at 501
"I" Street in Sacramento.
*
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*16. Friday, June 22, Fresno: Federal Motions Hearing for California
Healthcare Collective*

Please come and support California Healthcare Collective defendants on
Friday June 22 at the Federal motions Hearing.

After the City of Modesto failed to shut down the California Healthcare
Collective by banning dispensaries, the DEA was called in. On September
27, 2006, the collective was raided and four people were arrested (two
operators and two staff) on charges of distribution of marijuana and
conspiracy to distribute. The two operators were also charged with
possession of firearms and money laundering. Later, an additional five
people were indicted, bringing the total to nine people being prosecuted
by the federal government. All defendants have been released on bail
pending trial, with the exception of Monica Valencia, who was recently
imprisoned on a misdemeanor state charge and may be held until her
federal trial.

Come out and show your support!

Friday, June 22nd at 10:30am before Judge Lawrence J. O'Neill
U.S. District Court, 2500 Tulare Street, Fresno, CA.

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Special Events Activist
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*17. Saturday, June 16, San Diego: San Diego ASA Party*

Come show your support for San Diego ASA and have fun doing it!

What: Second Annual San Diego ASA Social Fun(d) rasier

$10 (Suggested Donation)

When: Saturday June 16 at 8-11:30pm
18 & over
Smoke-Friendly/ No alcohol served

Where: 1599 Merritt Dr.
El Cajon, CA 92020
--

Sonnet Seeborg Gabbard
Field Coordinator
Americans for Safe Access
AmericansForSafeAccess.org

Americans for Safe Access (ASA) is the largest national member-based
organization of patients, medical professionals, scientists and
concerned citizens promoting safe and legal access to cannabis for
therapeutic use and research.

Join us today... AmericansforSafeAccess.org


Headquarters
1322 Webster St Suite 402
Oakland, CA 94612
P: 510-251-1856 ext. 321 F: 510-251-2036