[ASA Field]

ASA California Weekly Alert: May 11, 2007
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*Weekly Round Up*
1. Amendment Targets State Sanctioned Medical Marijuana, Angel Raich
Drops Case, ASA has the Answers for CA Attorney General, Fairfield
Activists Stop Ban!

*Take Action*
2. While gathering around to celebrate Mother's Day talk to your family
about medical cannabis
*
ASA Chapter and Affiliate Meetings*
3. Saturday, May 12, Santa Barbara: Santa Barbara ASA Meeting
4. Saturday, May 12, Los Angeles: Los Angeles ASA Meeting
5. Thursday, May 17, Fort Bragg: Mendocino ASA Meeting
6. Thursday, May 17, Guerneville: Sonoma ASA Meeting
7. Thursday, May 17, Newport Beach: Orange County ASA Meeting
8. Sunday, May 20, Birds Landing : ***Rescheduled Solano Patients' Group
Meeting***
9. Tuesday, May 22, Sacramento: ***Rescheduled Sacramento ASA Meeting***
10. Tuesday, May 22, San Francisco: San Francisco ASA Meeting
11. Wednesday, May 23, Oakland: East Bay ASA Meeting
*
City and County Hearings
*12. Tuesday, May 15, Los Angeles: Los Angeles Planning and Land Use
Management Committee to Hold Hearing for Dispensary Moratorium*

Court Support*
12. Wednesday May 16, San Francisco: Ed Rosenthal's Trial Begins
13. Friday, May 18, Indio: Gary Silva's Preliminary Hearing
*
Special Events
*14. * *Tuesday, May 15, San Bernardino: Show Your Support of Medical
Marijuana at the San Bernardino Board of Supervisors Meeting*
*15. Saturday, May 19, Newport Beach: Medical Cannabis Activist Town Hall
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*Weekly Round Up CA Logo
*
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*
1. Amendment Targets State Sanctioned Medical Marijuana, Angel Raich
Drops Case, ASA Has the Answers for CA AG, Fairfield Activists Stop Ban!
*_/
/__/Amendment Targets State Sanctioned Medical Marijuana/_/
From Caren Woodson, ASA's National Campaign Director//

/Dear ASA activists, allies, patients, and friends,

On the evening of April 18, 2007, ASA's National Office in Washington,
DC, received notice that Sen. Coburn (R-OK) was planning to introduce an
amendment to S.1082, the Food and Drug Administration Revitalization
Act, which reauthorizes and amends the prescription drug user fee act
(PDUFA), and other provisions of the Federal Food, Drug & Cosmetic Act
(FFDCA).

While the amendment's purpose is "To evaluate the safety and efficacy of
medical marijuana," it is clear that such an effort is aimed at
obstructing the effective implementation of State-legalized medical
marijuana.

ASA's National Office quickly jumped into action! We informed our
coalition partners and allies about the amendment and urged them to
contact members on the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions
Committee (HELP) to vote against the amendment. The amendment passed out
of committee and went to the Senate floor.

This week, the U.S Senate passed the FDA Revitalization bill with the
Coburn Amendment included. ASA's National Office will continue to
monitor the development of the FDA Revitalization bill and all related
measures in the House of Representatives.

While this is a very concerning amendment, we have time for our
Government Affairs Team to create the most effective and powerful
strategy. You can bet we will be vigilant with this amendment as it
moves through the House. Most importantly, we ask You, our members,
remain alert and be ready to spring into action if need be. We will keep
you posted on any changes to the bill.

ASA would like to acknowledge our partners in the HIV community,
including AIDS Action and the National Association of People with AIDS,
who responded to ASA's call to action on this issue with speed and
diligence.

Read ASA's Statement on Senator Coburn's Amendment
<http://www.safeaccessnow.org/article.php?id=4612>

_/
Angel Raich Drops Case

/_Medical cannabis patient, Angel Raich ,dropped her medical cannabis
case against the federal government last Thursday.

On March 14, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals put what appears to be
the final touches on a widely watched medical marijuana case. In
McClary-Raich v. Gonzales, the court addressed the issues remaining
after the Supreme Court ruled the federal government has authority under
the Commerce Clause to regulate medical marijuana.

Raich could have asked that the March decision be reviewed by a larger,
11-judge 9th Circuit panel; or that it be reviewed by the U.S. Supreme
Court; or that it return to U.S. District Judge Martin Jenkins of San
Francisco for a few unresolved issues. Those avenues were not very
hopeful.

Raich's 5-year journey and fight is an inspiration to the movement. We
look forward to working alongside Raich for better Federal legislation
and patients' rights.
/
_
ASA has the Answers for CA Attorney General_*
*/
In March, the California Attorney General's office sought input on a set
of five questions it was being asked in a "request for opinion." The
questions have to do with criminal and civil liability of public
officials related to medical cannabis dispensaries. ASA Chief Counsel
Joe Elford drafted and sent a document on May 8 in response to the
request for input.

Read Chief Counsel Joe Elford's Comments
<http://www.safeaccessnow.org/downloads/AG_Opinion_Comments.pdf>

_/
Fairfield Activists Stop Ban!
/_
Last Wednesday, May 9th, the Fairfield Planning Commission voted against
a dispensary ban. 6 out of 7 commissioners voted to draft an ordinance
that limits dispensaries to conditional uses. This will be followed up
on in 2 weeks at their next regular meeting. They will present an
ordinance to the City Council that permits dispensaries.

The activists attending the meeting had a direct effect on the
commission's decision. It was the hard work that ASA affiliate, Solano
Patients' Group, and Compassionate Coalition that changed the
commission's mind. This is an important victory, because it shows the
important impact organizing and activism can do for change.

There is still much work to be done. According to Linda Jimenez of
Solano Patients' Group, an ASA affiliate, and one of the key leaders in
this victory, the Fairfield City Council has expressed its intentions to
ban dispensaries in the past. Activists in the Solano County Region need
to contact Compassionate Coalition and Solano Patients' Group to find
out how they can help.

E-Mail: Linda4SPG@compassionatecoalition.org

Great work Solano Patients' Group, Sacramento ASA Chapter, Compassionate
Coalition, and all the activists and patients that made it out to the
hearing. Thank you for keeping this movement moving forward!
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*Take Action! Closer Look

*
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*2. While gathering around to celebrate Mother's Day talk to your family
about medical cannabis*

Take a couple of minutes out of your Mother's Day to bring awareness of
medial marijuana to your family. Talk to your family members and friends
about the importance of legalized medical cannabis.

After the kids clean the house, give presents, and make family brunch
have a family discussion. Educate those close ones who may not know
about Medical Cannabis issues.
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*ASA Chapter and Affiliates Meetings **Activist Fist*
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*3. Saturday, May 12, Santa Barbara: Santa Barbara ASA Meeting*

Join the newly formed Santa Barbara ASA Meeting! We will be discussing
Vehicle code 23222 (having possessing medicine while operating a motor
vehicle) and Patients' Rights!

3pm-5pm @ Antioch University
801 Garden St. Room #203 Santa Barbara

For More Information, contact: Jennifer at (805) 637-5365
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*4. Saturday, May 12, Los Angeles: Los Angeles ASA Meeting*

LA ASA Chapter Meeting
Saturday May 12th, 1-3 PM
California Patients Group
6208 Santa Monica Blvd
Santa Monica/Vine in Hollywood, CA

We will be discussing:

1. Messaging for Tue.'s Moratorium Hearing
2. Response to LAPD/Van Nuys Assaults on Patients
3. Recent Raid Updates
4. Local Policy Updates
5. National Policy Update feat. presentation on National AIDS Watch Day
6. Launching of Alliances/Accreditation in CA

We hope to see you all there. For more info, call Chris at (323) 464-7719.
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*5. Thursday, May 17, Fort Bragg: Mendocino ASA Meeting*

This is the Mendocino Chapter's second meeting. We are planning
fundraisers, ordinance rewriting, advertising ASA and planning seminars
to educate officials and the public. We're sure there will be parties to
celebrate our progress in the future. Please join us for the
development of our chapter.

6:30pm at Herban Legends
18300 Old Coast Hwy # 3
Fort Bragg, CA 95437

For more information contact Tom: tom.davenport@vintagenet.us
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*6.** Thursday, May 17, Guerneville: Sonoma 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 come share their
opinions on what should happen locally, statewide, and nationally. More
info 707-332-6556
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*7. **Thursday, May 17, Newport Beach: Orange County ASA Meeting*

Come to the OC ASA Meetings to discuss upcoming and current medical
marijuana issues in our community.

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@aol.com
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*8. Sunday, May 20, Birds Landing: ***Rescheduled Solano Patients' Group
Meeting****

Come meet with us on Sunday, May 20th. We will be coming together to not
only celebrate our recent victory, but also to discuss our strategy for
the next hearing.

Sunday, May 20th at 3:00pm
Collinsville Rd.
Birds Landing, CA

For more information call: 707-635-3752
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*9. Tuesday, May 22, Sacramento:***Rescheduled Sacramento ASA Meeting****

Please join Sac ASA to plan for the future of safe access locally,
statewide, and nationally!
7:00 p.m.

Crusaders Hall
320 Harris Avenue, Suite H
Sacramento, CA

For more information or to get involved, please contact Lanette:
cannacare@earthlink.net
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*10. Tuesday, May 22, San Francisco: San Francisco ASA Meeting*

Join SF ASA to discuss and plan for local, state and national issues.
Get active locally to protect safe access!

7:30 p.m.
CA Marijuana Party Bookstore
223a 9th St. @ Howard in San Francisco
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*11. Wednesday, May 23, Oakland: East Bay ASA Meeting

*Join East Bay ASA to discuss strategies for responding to raids,
Oakland dispensary regulations, court support, and more.

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

Wednesday, May 23rd @ 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@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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*City and County Hearings raid icon
*
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*12. Tuesday, May 15th, Los Angeles: Los Angeles Planning and Land Use
Management Committee to Hold Hearing for Dispensary Moratorium
*
The LA Planning and Land Use Management Committee (PLUM) will hold one
final public hearing on the proposed moratorium on new medical cannabis
collectives in LA, before sending the ordinance to the City Council for
approval. Medical cannabis patients and advocates support the moratorium
as a first step in developing sensible guidelines for facilities in our
community.

Please attend the hearing on Tuesday, May 15, to support the moratorium
and ask the City Council Members on the PLUM Committee to move forward
with this item quickly!

L.A. PLUM Committee
Tuesday, May 15 at 2:00 PM
City Hall (Downtown), Room #350
200 N. Spring St., LA 90012

Download ASA talking points
<http://safeaccessnow.org/article.php?list=type&type=212> on dispensary
regulations, moratoriums and bans.*
*
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*Court Support patients rights
*
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*13. Wednesday May 16th, San Francisco: Ed Rosenthal's Trial Begins

*Calling all activists! Ed Rosenthal is back in court on May 16th
facing a Federal re-trial. As many of you remember, Ed Rosenthal's
previous case was thrown out due to jury misconduct. Despite no
compelling reason to re-try Rosenthal, the government convened a federal
grand jury in 2006 to seek an indictment. Last month Federal District
Court Judge Charles Breyer ruled today that Rosenthal was vindictively
prosecuted, and dismissed charges of tax evasion and money laundering.
The Federal prosecutor is still going ahead with case. With an
admission in court by the U.S. Attorney that it would not seek
additional punishment beyond the one-day sentence Rosenthal was given
after being convicted at his first trial, the prosecution has little
reason to proceed with the case. The vindictive re-trial begins next week.

Medical Cannabis activists are encouraged to show their support for Ed
Rosenthal by attending the trial.

Federal Building
Courtroom of U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer, 19th Floor
450 Golden Gate
San Francisco, CA

*See below for details on ASA Sponsored Ed Rosenthal Court Support Rally
May 23rd*
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*14. Friday, May 18th, Indio: Garry Silva's Preliminary Hearing*

Despite assertions from federal officials that they would not be going
after medical marijuana patients or small cooperatives, DEA agents,
along with Riverside County Sheriff's officers, raided a small medical
marijuana collective cultivation outside of Palm Desert that had
recently been pictured in the press, injuring a 53 year old medical
marijuana patient Garry Silva.

Garry was arrested and charged in March of 2006. His preliminary trial
is May 18th at 8:30am. Garry's lawyers will ask for dismissal of all
charges filed against him by the Riverside County DA from the raid on
his home in which he sustained disabling injuries when he was pummeled
to the floor by law enforcement officers.

Please come out and provide court support for Garry Silva and for
patients' rights.

Friday, May 18 at 8:30am
Room 3N, Larson Justice Center
46200 Oasis, Indio, CA

For more information, contact Lanny Swerdlow: lannyswerdlow@earthlink.net
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*Special Events closer look *
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*15. Tuesday, May 15, San Bernardino: Protest at the San Bernardino
Board of Supervisors Meeting

*Join medical marijuana patients and supporters at the Tuesday, May 15
San Bernardino Board of Supervisors meeting at County Government Center
at 383 Arrowhead in San Bernardino. They will speak about the county's
continuing disregard for state law by refusing to issue the Medical
Marijuana ID cards as mandated by the state legislature in accordance
with the vote of the people and held up as legal and binding by the
California Superior Court.

People who would like to carpool to the Board of Supervisors protest
should meet at the Joshua Tree Community Center parking lot on Tuesday,
May 15 a little before the meeting starts at 8:30 a.m.

Tuesday, May 15, 8:30am
County Government Center
383 Arrowhead St. San Bernardino, CA

For more information contact Lanny Swerdlow: lannyswerdlow@earthlink.net
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*16. Saturday, May 19th, Newport Beach: Medical Cannabis Activist Town Hall
*
Please join Steph Sherer, ASA's Executive Director for an Orange County
Activist Town Hall on May 19th from 3-6 pm. This event will be a an
opportunity for the community to come together while Steph walks
everyone through a strategic planning session to create next steps for
Orange County implementation of Prop 215 And SB 420. This will include
defining problems in the community, as well as determining goals and
creating campaigns to tackle these problems and achieve community goals.

Steph Sherer will also give a brief update from ASA about national and
state campaigns.

Who: Orange County Medical Cannabis Community and ASA's Executive Director
What: Orange County Activist Town Hall
When: May 19, 2007 from 3PM- 6 PM
Where: Law Offices of WENTWORTH, PAOLI & PURDY, LLP
4631 Teller Avenue, Suite 100
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Why: Because these laws aren't going to implement themselves

For more info contact Bill: OCLawyer@aol.com
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*17.** Wednesday, May 23rd, San Francisco: Ed * *Rosenthal Support Rally

*Ed Rosenthal needs our help! Come out in support for Ed Rosenthal and
medical marijuana. We must show the public that medical marijuana
patients and advocates will not stand for vindictive trials. Please
come out on May 23rd at 1:00pm on the Federal Building steps.

More Details to come!

Wednesday May 23 at 1:00pm
Federal Building
450 Golden Gate, San Francisco

If you have questions or want to volunteer to help with the rally please
contact Sonnet: Sonnet@safeaccessnow.org