[ASA Field]

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASA California Weekly Alert: October 5, 2007
------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Make Sure We Stay On Top of It:* If you wish to have a medical
cannabis event, meeting, federal trial, and/or city or county hearing
listed in the ASA CA Weekly Alert, please send information to
Sonnet@AmericansforSafeAccess.org no later than Thursdays by 3:00pm.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Weekly Round-Up*
1. a. ASA Holds an Emotional Press Conference as Tainted's Michael
Martin Turns Himself In
b. ASA Chapters Organize Statewide Banner Drop Targeting Governor
Schwarzenegger
c. Longtime Medical Marijuana Activist is Arrested at a Drug Free
Coalition Meeting

*ASA's Legal Tip of the Month*
2. Medical Marijuana and Landlord/Tenant Law

Take Action
*3. Join Us in Los Angeles Thursday as We Call on the Governor to Stand
Up for Patients' Rights!

*ASA Chapter and Affiliate Meetings*
4. Saturday, October 6, Santa Barbara: ***Rescheduled Santa Barbara ASA
Meeting***
5. Saturday, October 6, Los Angeles: LA ASA Art and Props Making Potluck
6. Tuesday, October 9, San Francisco: San Francisco ASA Meeting
7. Tuesday, October 9, San Diego: San Diego ASA Meeting
8. Wednesday, October 10, Newport Beach: ***Rescheduled Orange County
ASA Meeting***
9. ***Lake County ASA Meetings Canceled for October***
10. Monday, October 15, Fresno: ***First Fresno ASA Meeting***
11. Tuesday, October 16, Sacramento: Sacramento ASA Meeting
12. Thursday, October 18, Arcata: Humboldt County ASA Meeting

*City and County Hearings*
13. Tuesday, October 9, Long Beach: City Council to Discuss Dispensary Ban

*Special Events*
14. Wednesday, October 10, Ventura: Safe Access Now Town Hall Meeting
15. Thursday, October 11, Los Angeles: Special Statewide Mobilization
for Governor Schwarzenegger: Stand Up for Patients' Rights Campaign
16. Thursday, October 11, Los Angeles: Special Screening of
Documentary, Dispensing Cannabis

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weekly Round-Up
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. a. ASA Holds an Emotional Press Conference as Tainted's Michael
Martin Turns Himself In
b. ASA Chapters Organize Statewide Banner Drop Targeting Governor
Schwarzenegger
c. Longtime Medical Marijuana Activist is Arrested at a Drug Free
Coalition Meeting

a. ASA Holds an Emotional Press Conference as Tainted's Michael
Martin Turns Himself In

Yesterday, dozens of ASA's supporters and ASA staff gathered at an
emotional press conference as edible producer Michael Martin, 33, turned
himself over to federal authorities in response to an arrest warrant
issued last week. Martin received word of the September 26 Drug
Enforcement Administration (DEA) raid on Tainted, Inc. while on
vacation, and is not considered a fugitive as reported earlier by
government and media.

Martin, a medical marijuana patient, spoke at the press conference
saying, "We must put a stop to this travesty and, as a community, speak
up, and defend a patients' right to use safer alternatives of medication
as they and their doctors see fit. We must no longer allow the federal
government to viciously intimidate its citizens by misinforming and
blantantly lying to the public about the benefits of cannabis as a safe
and effective medicine..." Read Michael Martin's open letter, which he
read from at the press conference at:
http://www.AmericansforSafeAccess.or...tin_Letter.pdf.

The press conference continued with Martin's lawyer, Sara Zalkin, his
mother, Kimberly Miller, a patient who relies on cannabis edibles, Jeff
Bishop, collective operator Richard Lee, and ASA's Executive Director,
Dr. Frank Lucido, Steph Sherer, speaking. Several media sources
covered the press conference including the San Francisco Chronicle, The
Associated Press
<http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hRmnGnfSwO46L7vrD6jwPhVBhplQD8S2Q5K05>,
ABC 7 <http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=local&id=5690732>, CBS
5, <http://cbs5.com/topstories/local_story_277152614.html> and KTVU
Channel 2 <http://www.ktvu.com/video/14271102/index.html>.
Martin was released on bail of $300,000 and will appear before the
Magistrate Brazil in Oakland Federal Court along with the three other
defendants facing charges, on October 26th at 10:00am. ASA will be
posting his upcoming court dates in the CA Weekly Alerts to come. Read
ASA's press advisory on the event here
<http://www.safeaccessnow.org/article.php?id=5105>.

b. ASA' Chapters Organize Statewide Banner Drop Targeting Governor
Schwarzenegger

Yesterday, with one week until the statewide mobilization left, several
California ASA chapters throughout the state conducted a synchronized
banner drop during rush hour. Activists performed this act of civil
disobedience by rolling out homemade banners, reading the message, "Gov.
Schwarzenegger: Defend California's Medical Marijuana Laws!" Some of
the chapters, like the San Francisco ASA chapter, left the banner up
after they had left. The banner drops were designed to further promote
the important mobilization to the Governor's office next Thursday,
whilst increasing public awareness around the issue.
As many of you may know, medical marijuana activists, supporters,
patients, and providers, have been organizing a statewide mobilization
to the Governor's office in Los Angeles. The event will take place next
Thursday, October 11th at 12:00pm at the Governor's Los Angeles office.
To read more about the campaign and the mobilization, check out the
"Take Action" and "Special Events" sections in the Weekly Alert, or
visit www.AmericansforSafeAccess.org/StandUp.

Several people called ASA's headquarters yesterday to report spotting
the banners on their way to work. ASA's San Francisco chapter recorded
their banner drop on video. We will be posting the video on ASA's
website early next week. Thank you to all the chapter members for
taking action to promote this historic campaign!
If you are interested in getting involved in your local ASA chapter,
contact Sonnet@AmericansforSafeAccess.org.

c. Longtime Medical Marijuana Activist is Arrested at a Drug Free
Coalition Meeting

Earlier this week, longtime medical marijuana activist and leader of the
Inland Empire's Marijuana Anti-Prohibition Project, Lanny Swerdlow, was
arrested at a Drug Free Community Coalition meeting in Rancho
Cucamunga. Swerdlow was arrested after law enforcement were called by
the Drug Free Community Coalition's leader, Paul Chabot. Authorities
claim that Swerdlow was arrested because Chabot was pressing charges for
alleged assault. Swerdlow refutes this claim, and is preparing to fight
the charges. Below is an excerpt that Swerdlow wrote up about the event:

"After about an hour of sitting in the car while the police
questioned some of the people and ran background checks on the four
of us who were there and questioned me as well, the officer issued
me a citation, citing me for battery. They informed me that they
were not doing this because they had seen anything, but doing it
because Mr. Chabot was pressing charges against me. They were very
courteous the entire time and I suspect that they felt this was all
a crock, but, if I understood them correctly, they had no choice but
to arrest me because Mr. Chabot was adamant in filing charges... No
matter what happens, the Chabots and their Drug Free Community
Coalition better get used to seeing us if they are going to operate
in the Inland Empire and continue their attacks on California's
medical marijuana laws. Riverside County has made great strides
especially in the light of where this county was five years ago. San
Bernardino County is somewhat where Riverside County was five years
ago but there are two cities, Claremont and Diamond Bar in SB County
that allow dispensaries. We have come too far and achieved too much
to let anyone stop us now. We will do what we can to see to it that
patients in the Inland Empire continue to have access to sources of
medicinal marijuana and that laws of the state of California are
respected by all. "

Read the Lanny Swerdlow's full report on ASA's Forums here
<http://www.Americansforsafeaccess.org/punbb/viewtopic.php?id=155>. For
more information on the event and the work MAPP is doing, contact Lanny
at: lannyswerdlow@earthlink.net.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASA's Legal Tip of the Month
------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. Medical Marijuana and Landlord/Tenant Law

Medical marijuana patients' rights under landlord/tenant law remain
unresolved. While a qualified patient is entitled to possess at least 8
oz. of medical marijuana AND 6 mature OR 12 immature plants, California
law does not specify where cultivation is appropriate. Unfortunately,
some landlords, upon learning of a tenant's patient status, possession,
or cultivation may even threaten eviction.

After a negative interaction with a landlord regarding medical
marijuana, try to negotiate and use the letter found on our website. If
your landlord has asked you to remove your plants, explore cultivating
in an alternate location. Explain that you are a medical marijuana
patient, and that you are legally allowed to possess/cultivate/medicate
in California. You may want to inform your landlord of your condition,
and how marijuana specifically helps you. Note that some landlords must
rent to patients for California's medical marijuana laws to have any
meaning. If cultivating, assuage any fears your landlord might have
about possible damage to the apartment. As a last resort, inform the
landlord that you intend to file a complaint with the Department of Fair
Employment and Housing if evicted. While you may ultimately leave, use
the negotiations to win helpful concessions from the landlord, such as a
6-month extension of the lease and/or moving expenses.

For more legal information, visit ASA's Legal FAQ page at:
www.AmericansforSafeAccess.org/LegalFAQ.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Take Action
------------------------------------------------------------------------
3. Join Us in Los Angeles Thursday as We Call on the Governor to Stand
Up for Patients' Rights!

Next Thursday, hundreds of medical marijuana patients, providers, and
supporters will be gathering at Governor Schwarzenegger's office in Los
Angeles to demand that he stand up for patients' rights and defend
California's medical marijuana laws. This event comes after months of
organizing throughout the state. Hundreds of phone calls, postcards, and
e-mails have been sent to the Governor's office asking him to take a
stand and join us at the rally.
Please be a part of this historic event and join us in Los Angeles next
Thursday.

What: Stand Up for Patients' Rights Rally
When: Thursday, October 11, 2007, starting at 12:00pm.
Where: Governor Schwarzenegger's Los Angeles District Office
300 South Spring Street
Los Angeles, CA 90013
Why: Governor Schwarzenegger needs to know that patients are being
attacked and need their rights protected!

For more information on the rally and/or to volunteer to help organize
the rally, contact Sonnet@AmericansforSafeAccess.org.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASA Chapter and Affiliate Meetings
------------------------------------------------------------------------
4. Saturday, October 6, Santa Barbara: ***Rescheduled Santa Barbara ASA
Meeting***

*Due to the fact the NORML National Conference is in Los Angeles the
weekend of Oct. 12th and 13th, we will be having our ASA meeting this
Saturday from 3pm to 5pm. Come show your support!

Where: Antioch University, 801 Garden St. Santa Barbara CA, 93101, Room 203
When: Saturday, October 6th, 3pm to 5pm

For more information, contact Jennifer: jenniferln@gmail.com.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
5. Saturday, October 6, Los Angeles: LA ASA Art and Props Making Potluck

Come help make the signs and props that will help make October 11
memorable. We are having a pot-luck lunch, so bring a dish or beverage
to share if you like.

When: October 6th at 1:00pm
Where: 470 S. San Vicente Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90048-4107
(Cross Street is Drexel Between Wilshire & 3rd St.)

Visit http://www.ASAaction.org for a map or public transit info.

For more information contact: Don@AmericansforSafeAccess.org.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
6. Tuesday, October 9, San Francisco: San Francisco ASA Meeting

Join San Francisco ASA as we discuss upcoming hearings, prepare for the
statewide mobilization, and finalize plans to carpool down to Los
Angeles. Safe access is under fire in the Bay Area! Come out and
support safe and legal access!

When: Tuesday, October 9, at 7:30pm
Where: Bowzer's Pizza, 371 11th St in San Francisco

For more information, contact Alex: aaafranco@yahoo.com.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
7. Tuesday, October 9, San Diego: San Diego ASA Meeting

Join us at the San Diego ASA meeting this month. Our San Diego chapter
of ASA has been busy lately and needs you to get involved. We will be
discussing important local issues and discuss the statewide mobilization
on October 11th. It is time to get involved and protect safe access!

Twiggs Coffee House
4590 Park Blvd.
In the Green Room
7:00-8:00 p.m.
For more information, contact: sdasa420@yahoo.com.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
8. ***Lake County ASA Meetings Canceled for October***

Lake County ASA has been very busy the past month, educating the
community about safe access at several fairs, festivals, and public
events. As a result, we will be canceling our October meetings and will
meet in November.
For any questions about our November meetings and/or about attending the
statewide mobilization to the Governor's office in Los Angeles, please
contact Donna at: LakecoASA@msn.com.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
9. Wednesday, October 10, Newport Beach: ***Rescheduled Orange County
ASA Meeting***

The mobilization to Los Angeles is less than a week away! Please attend
the meeting next Wednesday as we finalize plans for the trip up to Los
Angeles, plan final outreach for the event, and discuss local,
statewide, and national medical marijuana issues.

When: Wednesday the 10th at 7:00pm
Where: Law Offices of WENTWORTH, PAOLI & PURDY, LLP
4631 Teller Avenue, Suite 100
Newport Beach, CA 92660

For more information, contact Bill: OCLawyer@aol.com.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
10. Monday, October 15, Fresno: ***First Fresno ASA Meeting***

Please join the newly formed Fresno ASA chapter for our innaugural
meeting. We will be discussing the protocols for being an ASA chapter,
local medical marijuana issues, including establishing an ID card
program, and other important medical marijuana issues. If you are a
medical marijuana patient, provider, concerned citizen, and supporter,
please join us as we gather to improve safe access in Fresno!

When: Monday, October 15th at 7:00pm
Where: Fig Garden Regional Library
3071 W. Bullard Ave. in Fresno

For more information, contact Sonnet@AmericansforSafeAccess.org

------------------------------------------------------------------------
11. Tuesday, October 16, Sacramento: Sacramento ASA Meeting

Join the Sacramento ASA Chapter as we hear a report of the mobilization
to Los Angeles, discuss upcoming court dates, and talk about other
pressing medical cannabis issues in our community.

When: Tuesday, October 16th at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Crusaders Hall
320 Harris Avenue, Suite H
Sacramento, CA

For more information, contact Lanette: cannacare@earthlink.net.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
12. Thursday, October 18, Arcata: Humboldt County ASA Meeting

Please join the Humboldt County ASA chapter this month. We will be
discussing the recent Arcata City Council meeting, and other important
medical marijuana issues in our community. Read about this week's
meeting in the Eureka Reporter here
<http://www.eurekareporter.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?ArticleID=29159>.

When: Thursday, October 18th at 7:00pm
Where: Bayview Courtyard Complex at 550 Union St. in Arcata

For more information, contact HumboldtASA@gmail.com.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
City and County Hearings
------------------------------------------------------------------------
13. Tuesday, October 9, Long Beach: City Council to Discuss Dispensary Ban

The City of Long Beach may soon be deciding whether or not to close its
medical cannabis collectives. Come speak out for safe access at public
comments.

Download ASA talking points
<http://www.safeaccessnow.org/article.php?id=2717> on dispensary
regulations, moratoriums and bans.
When: Tuesday, October 9th at 5:00pm
Where: Council Chamber, 333 W. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, CA

For more information, call LA-ASA at (323) 882-6766.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Special Events
------------------------------------------------------------------------
14. Wednesday, October 10, Ventura: Safe Access Now Town Hall Meeting*

The patient advocacy group, Safe Access Now, is hosting a "town-hall"
style meeting for Ventura County's medical marijuana patients,
caregivers and advocates. Please attend this important gathering to
learn how to effectively advocate for local implementation of
California's medical marijuana laws.

What: Ventura County Medical Marijuana Town-Hall Meeting
When: Wednesday, October 10, 2007 -- 6:30 to 8:00pm
Where: E. P. Foster Library
651 East Main Street, Ventura, CA 93001 (between Chestnut and
Fir in Downtown Ventura)

For more information, call 805-648-2716

To RSVP or request more information, contact Safe Access Now's Aaron
Smith at (866) 287-6792 or safeaccessnow@gmail.com.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
15. Thursday, October 11, Los Angeles: Special Statewide Mobilization
for Governor Schwarzenegger: Stand Up for Patients' Rights Campaign

On Thursday, October 11, 2007, ASA is calling on individuals and
organizations that support medical cannabis to join us in a statewide
mobilization to the Governor's office in Los Angeles. Plan to attend
this historic event and reach out to the individuals and organizations
you know and/or are active in to help get people to Los Angeles on
October 11.

ASA Chapters throughout the state have endorsed the rally. Volunteers
are still needed! Please contact Sonnet:
Sonnet@AmericansforSafeAccess.org to sign up to volunteer to help
organize the event!

When: Thursday, October 11 @ 12:00 PM
/*"Governor Schwarzenegger: Stand Up for Patients' Rights!"*/
Statewide mobilization to the Governor's office in Los Angeles!
300 S. Spring St., Downtown Los Angeles

For more information, go to www.AmericansForSafeAccess.org/StandUp or
call toll free (888) 929-4367.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
6. Thursday, October 11, Los Angeles: Special Screening of Documentary,
Dispensing Cannabis
From Distribution Coordinator, Ben Shaw

I am writing to inform everyone of a new documentary film about medical
cannabis. It is a finalist at the La Femme Film Festival in Beverly
Hills and I will be coming to Los Angeles with director Ann Alter to
screen the film on Thursday, October 11th at 10am. We invite you to
join us and we ask for your help in spreading the word about this timely
and informative documentary.

In the hour-long documentary Dispensing Cannabis: The California Story,
voices from inside discuss practices and issues involved in distributing
medical cannabis. Of the twelve states in 2006 that permit medical
cannabis use, California is the only state that allows for the
distribution of the medicine. How and where do people get their
medicine? How does one insure that their medicine is clean, safe and of
sufficient quality?

Tours of five cannabis dispensary models provide an unprecedented look
into this quasi-legal business. Doctors, lawyers, law enforcement,
patients and caregivers share their perspectives and concerns.

Please visit our website to learn more about the film. It includes a
short film trailer.

www.dispensingcannabis.com

We will be screening our film on Thursday, October 11th at 10am in the
Wilshire Screening Room at 8670 Wilshire Blvd in Beverly Hills. The
screening costs $10 at the door. The building is located at the traffic
signal between Robertson and La Cienega Blvd. (Two blocks west of the
Fine Arts Theatre). It's a brown marble building at the southwest corner
of Willaman Drive. Everyone is invited and encouraged to join us.

[Pitjustice]

I would encourage everyone to read the letter written by Tainted's Michael Martin in the link provided in 1a. above.

A very powerfull statement by a value producer in our human family who is facing an unjust persecution by a force/gang who while being humans assume humanoid behavior.

[Justonevoice]

Whether you are a patient,grower or collective operator does'nt matter at this point. We all must stand together arm in arm and face this adversity. We must tell opur Governor that he needs to stand upfor the voters in California first and foremost. We the People have spoken but apparently we have not spoken loud enough for him to hear. I say we all hit the streets on October 11,2007 and make this a memorible day for all Americans. He must hear us or He must Go!