[ASA Field]

*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@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...5&om=1&iwloc=A

For additional information, contact Shirley Cox, Public Relations
Officer for the Central Valley Patients Coalition:
shirley@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@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 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 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 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>