[ASA Field]

ASA California Weekly Alert: February 8, 2008
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*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.
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Weekly Round Up
1. a. Fullerton City Council Rejects Dispensary Ban
b. Placer County Votes to Implement the Medical Marijuana State ID Card
c . Medical Cannabis Providers Plea Guilty to Federal Charges

Take Action
2. Celebrate Medical Marijuana Week, February the 11th-17th

Chapter and Affiliate Meetings
3. Saturday, February 9, Willits: Mendocino ASA Meeting
4. Monday, February 11: Fresno ASA Meeting
5. Tuesday, February 12, San Diego: San Diego ASA Meeting
6. Wednesday, February 13, Newport Beach: Orange County ASA Meeting
7. Saturday, February 16, Los Angeles ASA Meeting
8. Tuesday, February 19, Sacramento: ASA Affiliate Compassionate Coalition Meeting
9. Thursday, February 21, Arcata: Humboldt County ASA Meeting

City and County Hearings
10. Tuesday, February 12, San Francisco: San Francisco Board of Supervisors to Vote on Resolution to Support Rep. Conyers' Pledge to Hold DEA Oversight Hearings
11. Tuesday, February 19, Fullerton: City Council to Discuss a Dispensary Ordinance

Court Support
12. Tuesday, February 19, Sacramento: Sentencing Hearing for Jeff Sanderson
13. Friday, February 22, Fresno: Evidentiary Hearing for California Healthcare Collective

*Medical Marijuana Week Activities
14. Sunday, February 10, San Francisco: Medical Marijuana University
15. Monday, February 11, Marin County: Showing of In Pot We Trust
16. Tuesday, February 12, San Francisco: Know Your Rights Legal Training
17. Wednesday, February 13, Oakland: Sneak Preview of a New Medical Marijuana Movie
18. Thursday, February 14, San Francisco: Valentine's Spread the Love Seed Planting
19. Friday, February 15, Oakland: Patients' Testimonials Video and Photo Shoot
20. Saturday, February 16, Los Angeles: LA ASA Meeting and Special Guest Speaker, Jahan Marcu
21. Saturday, February 16, Oakland: Civil Disobedience Training for Emergency Response
22. Saturday, February 16, Berkeley: Medical Marijuana Movie Matinee
23. Sunday, February 17, San Francisco: SF ASA 215 Party
24. Saturday, February 23, Sacramento: Sacramento Medical Marijuana Patients Art Show*

Special Events
25. Sunday, February 10, Palm Springs: Comedy Event Fundraiser for Senior Medical Marijuana Defendants*
26. Save the Date: April 4-5, 2008: Patients Out of Time Fifth National Conference
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Weekly Round Up
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1. a. Fullerton City Council Rejects Dispensary Ban
b. Placer County Votes to Implement the Medical Marijuana State ID Card
c . Medical Cannabis Providers Plea Guilty to Federal Charges*

a. Fullerton City Council Rejects Dispensary Ban

This week, the Fullerton City Council met to discuss a proposed ban of medical cannabis collectives or adopt regulations to protect patients and the community. Activists, patients, and providers voiced their opposition to a ban and shared their concerns and need for safe access at the City Council's hearing. The city council responded to the community's plea and by voting 3-2 against a ban and in favor of dispensary regulations.

This victory for safe access is the first step in securing access in Fullerton. The city council voted to continue the hearing. The council will be meeting on February 19 to discuss adopting regulations. Please see the "City and County Hearings" section for more details on the upcoming hearing.*

b. Placer County Votes to Implement the Medical Marijuana State ID Card

Placer County Board of Supervisors voted in favor of implementing the state medical marijuana ID card program. The Board of Supervisors passed the state ID card program with a unanimous vote. The only debate the supervisors' had was the fee for the card, which after discussion was set at $125.00.
The ID cards are scheduled to be available for Placer County patients on March 1st. ASA will keep you updated on any new developments regarding Placer County and the ID cards as news comes in.

c . Medical Cannabis Providers Plea Guilty to Federal Charges

The Compassionate Caregivers defendants all pleaded guilty this week to federal charges. The Compassionate Caregivers owners and employees were charged with federal charges in 2005, after the DEA, IRS, and ATF investigated and raided several of the dispensaries in the Compassionate Caregivers network.

Larry Roger Kristich, the former owner of the seven medical cannabis dispensaries, Compassionate Caregivers, who recently returned to the U.S. from Costa Rica plead guilty to federal narcotics and money laundering charges. Compassionate Caregivers operated dispensaries in Bakersfield, West Hollywood, Oakland, San Diego, San Leandro, Ukiah, and San Francisco (Mission Street Caregivers), all of which are now closed.The other two defendants in the case also pleaded guilty to federal charges.

To read more about the case click here <http://lawfuel.com/show-release.asp?ID=16865>.

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Take Action
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2. Celebrate Medical Marijuana Week, February the 11th-17th


To celebrate the growing support for medical cannabis and the spread of safe access in medical cannabis states throughout the nation, Americans for Safe Access (ASA) has organized Medical Marijuana Week 2008. To find out about this year's activities visit: www.AmericansForSafeAccess.org/MMJWeek. This will be the sixth annual Medical Marijuana Week, held during the week of 2/15 to commemorate the passage of Proposition 215, California's medical cannabis law.

This year, we are calling on you and advocates nationwide to take action every day this week. Celebrate Medical Marijuana Week with us by educating your community, meeting with your U.S. Senators, writing letters to the editor, and more!

Get ready to take action next week! For a sneak preview visit www.AmericansforSafeAccess.org/MMJWeek today!

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Chapter and Affiliate Meetings
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3. Saturday, February 9, Willits: Mendocino ASA Meeting

Come celebrate Medical Marijuana Awareness Week with Mendocino ASA at our monthly potluck and meeting. Medical cannabis supporters are welcome!

When: Saturday, the 9th at 12:00pm
Where: The Ping Pong Club at 475 E. Valley Rd. in Willits

For more information, contact Sonnet@AmericansforSafeAccess.org

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4. Monday, February 11: Fresno ASA Meeting

The Fresno Chapter of ASA will be meeting on Monday February 11. We have a lot of topics to cover regarding safe access, so please join us.

When: February the 11th at 6:00pm
Where: Fig Garden library located in the shopping center on Marks & Bullard.

If you have any questions please contact Diana at fresnocagal@sbcglobal.net

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5. Tuesday, February 12, 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 including medical marijuana week. 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.

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6. Wednesday, February 13, Newport Beach: Orange County ASA Meeting

Please attend the meeting next Wednesday as we celebrate Medical Marijuana Awareness Week and discuss other pressing local, state, and national campaigns.

When: 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.

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7. Saturday, February 16, Los Angeles ASA Meeting

The next LA-ASA meeting will be at 1:00 PM on Saturday, February 16. We will be talking about our Emergency Response plans, local regulations, and the latest news in the statewide campaign. We will also be hosting a special guest for an exciting presentation. Please see the "Medical Marijuana Week Events" section below for more information.

What: LA-ASA Meeting

When: 1 PM * Saturday, February 16, 2008

Where: Patient ID Center, 470 S. San Vicente Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90048-4107.
(The cross street is Drexel, between Wilshire & 3rd St.)

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8. Tuesday, February 19, Sacramento: ASA Affiliate Compassionate Coalition Meeting

There are several medical marijuana activities over the next month. Please come and find out how you can get involved. We will be discussing Medical Marijuana Awareness Week, upcoming campaigns, reaching out to condition-based groups and many more events on the horizon.

When: Tuesday the 19th at 7:00pm
Where: Crusaders Hall
320 Harris Ave. Suite H in Sacramento

For more information, contact Nathan at: nathan@CompassionateCoalition.org

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9. Thursday, February 21, Arcata: Humboldt County ASA Meeting

The Humboldt County Chapter of Americans for Safe Access will be meeting Thursday, February 21, 2008 at 6 p.m. in the community recreation room of the Bayview Courtyard Senior Housing Complex at 550 Union Street, Arcata.

ASA of Humboldt meets on the third Thursday of every month. Park across the street in the Arcata Community Center parking lot. Limited Handicapped parking is available on site. All interested persons should call (707) 445 8154 or email asa-humboldt@sbcglobal.net for further information.

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City and County Hearings
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10. Tuesday, February 12, San Francisco: San Francisco Board of Supervisors to Vote on Resolution to Support Rep. Conyers' Pledge to Hold DEA Oversight Hearings

*The San Francisco County Board of Supervisors is scheduled to hear a resolution on Tuesday, February 12 which would show their support for the Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee's, John Conyer's, statements in support of holding DEA oversight hearings investigating the DEA's escalating attacks on medical cannabis patients and providers.

Please come out and show your support for the resolution.
When: 2:00pm on February the 12th
Where: Supervisors chambers on the second floor
1 Carlton B Goodlett Pl in San Francisco
For more information, contact Alex at: aaaFranco@yahoo.com
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11. Tuesday, February 19, Fullerton: City Council to Discuss a Dispensary Ordinance

After voting 3 to 2 against a ban on dispensaries the Fullerton City Council will be discussing the development and implementation of a dispensary ordinance. Please come out and show your support for safe access.

Download ASA's talking points about dispensary regulations. <http://www.safeaccessnow.org/article.php?id=2717>

What: Fullerton City Council Meeting
When: Beginning at 5:00 PM * Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Where: 303 West Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton, CA 92832

For more information, contact Don@AmericansforSafeAccess.org

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Court Support
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12. Tuesday, February 19, Sacramento: Sentencing Hearing for Jeff Sanderson

On August 14, 2006, a local-federal task force arrested Plumas County patients Jeff Sanderson (who also serves as a caregiver for nine other patients) & Alice Wiegand in a raid for allegedly growing more than 260 plants. Though they were released from Plumas County jail within several days, on September 5, 2006, Sanderson was rearrested by federal agents and is being prosecuted on federal charges of *manufacturing and conspiracy to manufacture more than 100 marijuana plants. Authorities confiscated all of the plants and medicine, and have initiated asset forfeiture proceedings on their home and family farm. Sanderson is currently being detained in Sacramento County Main Jail awaiting sentencing and both he and Wiegand have agreed to accept plea bargains.

When: Tuesday, the 19th at10:00am
Where: Before Judge Frank C. Damrell, Jr. in U.S. District Court (E.D., CA),
Courtrooom 2, 15th Floor at 501 "I" Street in Sacramento.

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13. Friday, February 22, Fresno: Evidentiary Hearing for California Healthcare Collective


This hearing is subject to change based on witness availability. After the City of Modesto failed to shut down the California Healthcare Collective by banning dispensaries, it called in the DEA. On September 27, 2006, the DEA raided the collective and arrested four people (owner-operators Luke Scarmazzo and Ricardo Montes and two staff members) on charges of distribution of marijuana and conspiracy to distribute. Scarmazzo and Montes 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. In the raid, the DEA allegedly seized more than 100 pounds of marijuana, one thousand plants, multiple firearms, and more than $200,000 in cash. The raids were the result of a 15-month investigation between the DEA and the Modesto Police Department. Since Judge O'Neill finally decided to release Monica Valencia on bail after 7 months in federal prison, all defendants have been released on bail pending trial. Recently, Bradley Heinmiller, Bradley Wickliffe and Stephen DeMattos have pled guilty to avoid trial, and only six defendants (Scarmazzo, Montes, Valencia, Lucky Boissiere, Jose Malagon, and Antonio Malagon) remain. The trial confirmation hearing is expected to occur on March 14, 2008 at 8:45am, and the trial is expected to begin on April 15th, 2008 at 9am. For more info, see Vanessa Nelson's article <http://www.medicalmarijuanaofamerica.com/content/view/155/1/>

When: Friday, the 22nd at 1:15pm
Where: Before Judge Lawrence J. O'Neill in U.S. District Court (E.D., CA)
2500 Tulare Street, Fresno, CA.
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Medical Marijuana Awareness Week Events
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14. Sunday, February 10, San Francisco: Medical Marijuana University

When: 1:00-4:00p.m.
Where: The Women's Building
3543 18th St # 8, San Francisco

Join us for the 5th Annual Medical Cannabis University. Come get your diploma in Medical Cannabis Law, Research, and Cultivation!

Sponsored by Americans for Safe Access, San Francisco

For more information, please contact asasf@gmail.com

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15. Monday, February 11, Marin County: Showing of In Pot We Trust

Screening with the Star of Showtime's in Pot We Trust

For time & location e-mail: medicalmaryjane@hotmail.com

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16. Tuesday, February 12, San Francisco: Know Your Rights Legal Training

When: 7-9pm
Where: Medical Marijuana Activist Resource Center (next door to Hope Net Dispensary)
223A 9th Street between Howard & Folsom.

Come practice how to deal with law enforcement encounters through a series of roleplays. Learn what do when you get pulled over, police show up at you door, or what happens after you are arrested.

Sponsored by ASA SF

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17. Wednesday, February 13, Oakland: Sneak Preview of a New Medical Marijuana Movie

What: Sneak Preview of an unreleased docu-commedy on Cannabis.
Where: Oaksterdam University
410 15th St. Oakland
When: Door 7pm, Movie 7:30 (90 minutes)

Featuring well-known comedians and includes footage of Don Duncan and protests of the DEA raids in L.A.

For more information please call: 510.251.1544

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18. Thursday, February 14, San Francisco: Valentine's Spread the Love Seed Planting

Help us deliver a Valentine to Mayor Newsom! Bring plants and seeds to plant in Civic Center.

When: 4:20pm
Where: San Francisco Civic Center Plaza

For more information, contact asasf@gmail.com

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19. Friday, February 15, Oakland: Patients' Testimonials Video and Photo Shoot

Calling All Patients in the Bay Area!

Are you a medical marijuana patient? Are you willing to share your story with the world? Are you interested in being the new face of ASA and having your picture on our website? If so, please join Americans for Safe Access at our headquarters in Oakland on February 15, during Medical Marijuana Awareness Week, for our YouTube video testimonials and photo shoot day. On Feb.15 we are asking patients willing to share their story on camera to come in and film a short 1-3 minute video testimonial to be posted on YouTube and ASA's website to help educate the world about medical marijuana and why people need safe access.

If you would rather do a written testimonial and have your picture on the website, please come in and join us that day for a photo shoot. The video and photo shoot will take place at ASA headquarters on February 15th, 11:00am-7:00pm.
In order to participate in this event, we need you to sign up for a time slot. To sign up, RSVP to Josie@AmericansforSafeAccess.org or call (510) 251-1856. Time slots are going to be fillied on a first come first serve basis so sign-up today! We will also need you to sign a release when you come to the shoot to allow ASA to share your story.

Please join us for a fun and important day of filming and photo shoot!

When: Friday, February 15th, 11:00am-7:00pm
Where: ASA Headquarters
1322 Webster St., Suite 402
Oakland, CA
How: RSVP to Josie@AmericansforSafeAccess.org or call (510) 251-1856 to sign up for a time slot!

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20. Saturday, February 16, Los Angeles: LA ASA Meeting and Special Guest Speaker, Jahan Marcu

Medical cannabis researcher Jahan Marcu will be our special guest speaker on February 16. Jahan is currently investigating cannabinoid synergy at the California Pacific Medical Center Research Institute, and effectively translates complex scientific concepts to a lay audience. As the youth member of ASA's Medical and Scientific Advisory Board, Mr. Marcu represents the future of cannabinoid research, and is developing international networks of key cannabis researchers. He has served as a volunteer for ASA since 2003. He has lectured on the subject of cannabinoids at Cannabis Cooperatives and at New College of California. At San Francisco State University, he investigated the therapeutic applicability of whole plant cannabinoid ratios, correlating these ratios to effects reported by medical cannabis patients and in clinical trials. He is currently completing his Bachelor of Science in Cellular and Molecular Biology at San Francisco State University.

What: LA-ASA Meeting with special guest speaker, Jahan Marcu
When: 1 PM * Saturday, February 16, 2008
Where: Patient ID Center, 470 S. San Vicente Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90048-4107.
(The cross street is Drexel, between Wilshire & 3rd St.)

Visit http://www.ASAaction.org to find a map and public transit information.

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21. Saturday, February 16, Oakland: Civil Disobedience Training for Emergency Response

What: Civil Disobedience Training for Emergency Response
When: 12-2pm
Where: 1322 Webster Suite 402 in Oakland, CA

For more information, contact Rebecca@AmericansforSafeAccess.org or call (510)251-1856.

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12. Saturday, February 16, Berkeley: Medical Marijuana Movie Matinee

What: Medical Marijuana Film Festival
When: 2-9pm
Where: 48th and Telegraph Avenue in Berkeley

Movies to be announced.

More info available on nberkhills@sbcglobal.net

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22. Sunday, February 17, San Francisco: SF ASA 215 Party

Celebrating California's State Law, Prop 215 inspiring Medical Marijuana Awareness Week

Featuring: Live Music and DJ's: Reggae, Hip Hop and Latin Beats. Door Prizes, Community Awards and Much Much More...

When: 8:00pm
Where: 2700 16th Street at Harrison
Other Details: $10 Admission. Hemp Ale & Cuban Food Available

For information check out sf.safeaccessnow.org

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23. Saturday, February 23, Sacramento: Sacramento Medical Marijuana Patients Art Show*

More details to come....

The Brick House 2837 36th Street
Time: 7:00pm
For more information contact: 916-325-9000

All of this information is available at SF ASA's website:
sf.safeaccessnow.org

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Special Events
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24. Sunday, February 10, Palm Springs: Comedy Event Fundraiser for Senior Medical Marijuana Defendants

Like many high desert senior citizens, JoAnn and Rich McCabe find that marijuana provides safe, effective symptomatic relief for the ailments of advancing years and use it specifically to manage their arthritis, insomnia and chronic back and joint pain. For following state law and doing what the voters of California said they could do, they are now paying a terrible price -- a price they cannot afford.

Please come out and help JoAnn and Rich McCabe and have a great time as well!

What: Benefit Show Featuring Celebrity Impersonators at CopyKatz Showroom
When: Sunday, February 10 at 3:00pm
Where: CopyKatz Showroom and Backstage Bistro located at 210 South Palm Canyon in downtown Palm Springs

Other details: A $20 cover charge to attend will be requested with all funds from the cover charge and auction going directly to the defense fund.

For more information, contact Lanny Swerdlow at:760-799-2055.

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25. Save the Date: April 4-5, 2008: Patients Out of Time Fifth National Conference

*Question: Have you registered for the Patients Out of Time national conference yet? If not, please register today <http://www.MedicalCannabis.com/registration>!
Save the date for the Fifth National Patients Out of Time conference for April 4th and 5th. For more information and to register visit www.MedicalCannabis.com/registration <http://www.MedicalCannabis.com>

The Patient Out of Time Conference will feature patients, activists, doctors, and researchers gathering to discuss the latest research on medical marijuana. This important conference only happens once every other year, so if you are a patient, doctor, researcher, and/or supporter, we strongly encourage you to look into attending the conference, which will be held at Asilomar Conference Center in Pacific Grove on the Monterey Peninsula.
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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