[ASA Field]

*Weekly Round Up*
1. California State Senator Proposes Back Sales Tax Relief; El Dorado ID Card
Program Approved; Medical Cannabis Film in Post Production Needs Support

*Take Action!
*2. The Public Has a Right to Know! Protect Patients by Supporting Bill to
Increase Law Enforcement Accountability!
*
**ASA Chapter and Affiliate Meetings*
3. Tuesday, June 26, San Francisco: San Francisco ASA Meeting ***Location Change***
4. Wednesday, June 27, Oakland: East Bay ASA Meeting
5. Thursday, June 28, Clearlake: Lake County ASA Meeting
6. Thursday, July 5, San Mateo: San Mateo ASA Meeting

*City and County Hearings*
7. Tuesday, June 26, Susanville: Lassen County Board of Supervisors to Vote on
ID Card Program
8. Thursday, June 28, San Francisco: San Francisco Planning Commission to Hear
Dispensary Permit Application

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Weekly Round-Up
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*1. California State Senator Proposes Back Sales Tax Relief; El Dorado ID Card
Program Approved; **Medical Cannabis Film in Post Production Needs Support
*/
California State Senator Proposes Back Sales Tax Relief/*

* In 2005, the California Board of Equalization (BoE) voted to adopt a new
policy to collect sales tax from dispensaries and other medical marijuana
providers. At the time, ASA testified at several public hearings, presenting a
position paper against collection of sales tax, as it would invariably be a cost
absorbed by the patients. To read about ASA's position on sales tax, click here
<http://www.safeaccessnow.org/article.php?id=4427>.

Following the decision to issue seller's permits, the BoE regulations required
the payment of back sales tax revenue with a statute of limitations of 8 years.
ASA has strongly opposed, with others, payment of back taxes in order to
maintain the viability of existing dispensaries and, thereby, safer access for
patients. Relief from this significant financial cost will also prevent the
elimination of benefits and services currently provided by numerous dispensaries
across the state. Back tax relief will also ensure better adherence to BoE
requirements, since providers will more willingly to comply if their solvency is
not at risk.

With help from ASA and other organizations and advocates, State Senator Carole
Migden (D-SF) came up with a solution to the back sales tax debate when she
introduced SB 529 earlier this week.

Senator Migden's proposed bill ensures back tax relief for medical cannabis
dispensaries provided they comply with the following requirements:
1. Dispensary collectives must apply for voluntary disclosure of tax relief
by March 31, 2008
2. Dispensary collectives must make a good faith effort to comply with the
tax relief provision by applying for a sales permit, filing state sales tax
returns, and remitting tax amounts due, effective on the approval of the bill.

The back sales tax relief would be contingent on compliance with the above good
faith actions. Dispensaries that fail to apply for a sellers permit, report
sales tax, and pay sales tax to the state, would not be able to benefit from
back tax relief.

This bill is an important compromise for both dispensaries and the Board of
Equalization, because it relieves the burden of paying large amounts of back
taxes whilst encouraging compliance with and participation in the BoE's sales
tax scheme. To read the bill, click here.
<http://www.safeaccessnow.org/downloads/SB529.pdf> /
//

El Dorado ID Card Program Approved/

Earlier this week, the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted
to approve the medical cannabis ID card program. El Dorado's program requires a
doctor's recommendation and two processing fees. The county has yet to determine
what county office they will use to run the program out of.

This is an important victory for El Dorado County and for patients' safe
access. Recently, ASA activist and Sacramento ASA Chapter leader, Lanette
Davies had a letter to the editor published in the Sacramento Bee referencing
El Dorado's decision and calling on her county to do the same and implement an
ID card program. Click here to read Lanette's letter to the editor
<http://www.sacbee.com/110/story/223606-p2.html>. This direct activism and
citizen participation contributes to successful passing of county ID card
programs. ASA encourages its members to follow Lanette's lead and write letters
to the editor about medical cannabis issues to local papers. Click here to get
pointers on writing a letter to the edito
<http://www.safeaccessnow.org/article.php?id=310>r
<http://www.safeaccessnow.org/article.php?id=310>.
/

Medical Cannabis Film in Post Production Needs Support
/
"RxCannabis" is a feature documentary film - currently in post production - on
the struggle for medical marijuana in California. It is written and directed by
Harvey Stein. (Harvey directed the ASA commercial that aired last Fall on major
network affiliates in San Diego, starring Pam Sakuda, Rudy Reyes and others.)

"RxCannabis" features time spent with well-known patient/activists Rudy Reyes,
Pam Sakuda and Craig McClain; outspoken advocates of legalization like Judge Jim
Gray; researchers like Lester Grinspoon, Rick Doblin, and others. They also shot
material on the LA raids and aftermath.

"RxCannabis" is an unforgettable story of People Power in action against
entrenched reactionary politicians.

The Director and Producers have had interest from contacts at HBO and IFC, and
they believe there's a good chance that they will get theatrical distribution.
They believe "RxCannabis" is an ideal way to help get the word out about the
medical marijuana movement.

For more info about "RxCannabis," and to see the trailer and a "webisode,"
please go to: http://www.jerusalemnewyork.com/_wsn/page6

The production team needs about $30,000 more investment money to complete post
production on "RxCannabis". For a way to support the finishing of "RxCannabis"
for as little as $25, please check out:
http://www.fundable.org/groupactions/rxcannabis2

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Take Action!
Fist
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*2. The Public Has a Right to Know! Protect Patients by Supporting Bill to
Increase Law Enforcement Accountability!

The California State Assembly Public Safety Committee will hear a SB 1019, a
bill which will increase accountability of law enforcement this Tuesday, June 26
at 10:30am in Sacramento!!

*This important piece of legislation would overturn a misguided California
Supreme Court case in /Copley Press/ that has had the effect of closing down
public access to information about police complaints in jurisdictions throughout
the state.

All too often medical cannabis patients encounter problems with law enforcement
agents. Without access to these records, many of their complaints would never be
heard and the rights of medical cannabis patients would continue to be endangered.

Time is running short to convince Northern California's Assembly members on the
Committee---Fiona Ma (D) and Greg Aghazarian (R)---to restore civilian oversight.
Having heard the unfounded criticisms of the bill's opponents, it is critical
that they hear from us---its ardent supporters!

Because of this short timeframe, we urge you to consider doing the following:

* * Put in a call to the capitol offices of Fiona Ma (916.319.2012) and Greg
Aghazarian (916.319.2026) and tell whoever answers that you support SB 1019.
Tell them:*

* The public has a right to know! Police misconduct happens in public,
is reported by the public, and investigations are paid for using the
public tax dollars. We have a right to know about police activity,
misconduct hearings, and punitive actions taken.
* Law enforcement must face public accountability! Unlike all other
public employees, the public is now prevented by state law from learning
about police misconduct and discipline issues. California provides far
less information to the public about police complaints than most other
states including Texas, Florida, Ohio, and South Carolina. Law enforcement
is dodging accountability to the public through their lack of transparency.
* SB 1019 will overturn the /Copley Press/ decision and help restore
police accountability, build public trust, and promote public safety in
communities throughout the state.
* As a medical cannabis patient, I am asking you to please protect the
public's rights and vote for SB 1019

For more information on SB 1019, click here
<http://www.aclunc.org/news/opinions/public_oversight_of_police_crucial.shtml>.

*
*
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ASA Chapter and Affiliate Meetings
*
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*3. 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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*4. 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@SafeAccessNow.org or 510-251-1856 x 308

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*5. 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@msn.com

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*6. Thursday, July 5, San Mateo: San Mateo ASA Meeting

*On Thursday, July 5, we will be having our San Mateo ASA Meeting. It is very
important that all supporters of ASA and medical cannabis living in the San
Mateo area come to this particular meeting. We will be voting important lasting
key chapter issues.

DATE: Thursday, July 5, 2007
TIME: 7:30-8:30
PLACE: PCRC, 164 South Blvd. San Mateo, CA
Finger foods, desserts, coffee, tea, water

For more information or to get involved, please contact Brent:
brent_saupe@yahoo.com.

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City and County Hearings
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*7. Tuesday, June 26, Susanville: Lassen County Board of Supervisors to Vote on
ID Card Program*

Next Tuesday, June 26, the Lassen County Board of Supervisors will be conducting
a hearing on the implementation of the statewide medical marijuana ID card
program. The Public Health Department is seeking the board's approval to move
forward with the program in Lassen County.

Once the voluntary program is made available, local patients will have the
opportunity to obtain the ID cards through the county. The program provides
further protection from detainment, arrest or the seizure of medicine for those
who choose to become cardholders.

If you live in Lassen County, please take a few minutes to contact the Board of
Supervisors and express your support for this important program.

Lassen County Board of Supervisors contact info:

E-mail: coadmin@co.lassen.ca.us
Phone: (530) 251-8333

Please contact the board, politely urging them to order county staff to begin
accepting applications for the ID cards, without further delay.
*Please only take action if you live in Lassen County.*

The board meeting will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 26 at 9:30am in Susanville.
Please attend this important hearing to show your support for California's
medical marijuana ID program and patients' rights in Lassen County.

Lassen County Board of Supervisors
Tuesday, June 26, 9:30am
707 Nevada Street
Susanville, CA 96130
(this is a professional meeting, please dress and act accordingly)

Thank you for taking action to protect Lassen County's medical marijuana patients.

For more information, contact Aaron Smith at safeaccessnow@gmail.com or 707-575-9870

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8. Thursday, June 28, San Francisco: San Francisco Planning Commission to Hear
Dispensary Permit Application

On Thursday, June 28th the San Francisco Planning Commissino will be holding a
hearing to discuss the issuance of medical cannabis dispensary, Emmalyn's permit
application. The commission's preliminary recommendation is to not take
Discretionary Review and approve the project as submitted. We need you to come
out an show your support for Safe and Legal Access in San Francisco!

Thursday, June 28 at 1:30pm
San Francisco Planning Commission
Commission Chambers - Room 400
City Hall, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place